McLaren’s Equal Driver Policy Under Fire: Nico Rosberg Critiques Impact on Lando Norris Amid Piastri Rivalry

Nico Rosberg gives his opinion on the McLaren team orders controversy

Nico Rosberg evaluates the competition between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Nico Rosberg argues that allowing McLaren drivers to compete against each other is detrimental to Lando Norris.

However, he emphasized that the victory of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the F1 Italian Grand Prix wasn't necessarily due to a choice made by McLaren's leadership.

Norris began the race at the front but was quickly passed by his teammate Oscar Piastri during the initial lap, putting him at a disadvantage. He was unable to regain his position and lost the opportunity to significantly challenge Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship standings.

Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg evaluated McLaren's strategy of treating both drivers equally during an analysis for Sky Sports.

"Papaya's principles emphasize competition, but it must be done with fairness," stated Rosberg.

Sources indicate that Lando believed Oscar exceeded the acceptable boundaries during their contest at Turn 4. He felt the move wasn’t entirely legitimate.

"Intense debates are expected inside the McLaren team’s motorhome."

"It's really challenging to handle. It's a delicate balance. You can put those guidelines in writing, but did Oscar actually cross the boundary according to the Papaya regulations?"

"I believe Oscar performed exceptionally well. He vacated the area and executed his task superbly."

Andrea Stella, who is currently the team principal for McLaren, was with Ferrari during the era when Michael Schumacher was the clear leading driver.

However, Rosberg asserts that he is not the one responsible for McLaren’s intriguing approach of giving equal treatment to both drivers.

"This philosophy is directed from the highest levels, originating from Zak Brown," he stated.

"We consider both of our drivers to be top-tier, as this has always been a fundamental principle at McLaren. Andrea is effectively implementing this strategy."

“They believed they had a chance to win up until the final moment.

"The team allowed their drivers to compete freely, making the event thrilling and entertaining. Ultimately, Ferrari took a gamble with their strategy, surprising their competitors."

The issue at hand is regarding Lando and the drivers’ championship. The team has chosen to continue treating both drivers as equals, without giving Lando any preferential treatment. This is the decision they’ve made, but it’s certainly having a negative impact on Lando.

Is McLaren avoiding taking risks?

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points, even though Verstappen is leading the drivers' championship despite a recent slump in performance.

Karun Chandhok mentioned that to compete for the drivers' championship, they must ensure Lando receives all the points possible.

“Conversely, the team allowed the drivers to compete freely, which benefits Oscar. He performed exceptionally well, being the quickest McLaren driver in today's race.

"In the long run, it's advantageous to have Oscar on your side."

Rosberg commented that Lando is performing exceptionally. His driving skills are impressive, and his confidence levels are soaring.

"It's encouraging that he senses 'I have an opportunity'. He remains the long shot."

"Lando made an error at Turn 4. Positioned on the inside with control, he acted too cautiously."

Is McLaren overly cautious when it comes to taking risks?

Rosberg responded, "Were they too cautious? It's hard to determine. They were unexpectedly caught off guard today. No one could have foreseen that Ferrari's strategy would be successful. Based on today's events, I wouldn't say so."

“Avoiding risk? Not at all! Their drivers were fiercely competing, going side by side, and Lando nearly lost control while dueling with Oscar.”

Rosberg emphasized that the Lap 1 duel between the McLaren cars did not prevent them from winning the race.

"Not really. Oscar had an amazing race. They maximized the car's potential today," he commented.

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