McLaren’s Team Order Turmoil: A Decision That Could Cost Norris the Championship, Experts Warn

McLaren was warned that confusion over instructions given to Lando Norris could be something they'll regret if they fail to secure the championship title this season.

According to Damon Hill, McLaren will regret their strategy in Hungary should Lando Norris come close to but not secure the F1 championship.

In the closing stages of the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren instructed their leading driver, Norris, to let his teammate, Oscar Piastri, pass him. Norris ultimately followed the team's directive.

Initially in the lead, Piastri changed positions with Norris following varied strategies during their pit stops.

Norris quickly overcame his initial annoyance, yet he trails the championship frontrunner Max Verstappen by 78 points.

Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill expressed on the F1 Nation podcast, "Should they fail to secure the championship title this year alongside Lando and fall short by just a few points, they'll likely reflect on the Hungarian Grand Prix, questioning their decisions."

Tom Clarkson contested, stating, "Should they fall short in the drivers' championship by seven points or fewer, it's hard to argue that they didn't essentially hand it over during the Hungary race."

They could examine all the other races where they encountered problems during pit stops, or when the car was underperforming.

"I truly think it's impossible to pinpoint a single moment. Norris's chance to win the Hungary Grand Prix slipped away right from the beginning, despite momentarily being in the lead, which was later rectified. This had been previously talked about and Lando was in agreement."

Norris secured his inaugural Formula 1 victory this season at the Miami Grand Prix and was poised to clinch another in Hungary, but he let his teammate Piastri take the lead, enabling him to achieve his first win.

Clarkson inquired: "Is the pressure from his teammate the cause of Norris's errors? Could it be a contributing factor?"

Hill responded, "I believe there's truth to that. Lando has relished his role at McLaren as the one who delivers outcomes and generates enthusiasm."

"He was the main guy. Now Oscar has stepped up, and he's just as much the main guy!"

"I continue to believe Lando has the upper hand, yet it must be uneasy to glance back and realize you've only beaten your teammate in qualifying by a mere tenth of a second.

"This implies that with each lap you attempt, you must give it your all; otherwise, you'll end up trailing behind him."

Clarkson stated, "In my view, McLaren is primarily concentrating on winning the constructors' championship."

"I believe Lando currently reaches greater heights than Oscar. However, we observe ups and downs in Lando's performance, whereas Oscar's performance is becoming more consistently steady."

Hill mentioned regarding Piastri: "He's demonstrating that he's steadily picking things up. He's progressively improving, becoming more and more robust."

Securing the victory in the race has significantly uplifted his confidence and self-worth, along with impacting those around him positively. He's no longer just a hopeful contender. Now, he embodies tranquility and composure.

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