McLaren’s Team Orders Gamble: Will Norris’ Championship Hopes Slip Away?

McLaren has been warned that they might regret the confusion over team orders involving Lando Norris. "If they fail to secure the championship this year…"

Damon Hill asserts that McLaren will regret their choice in Hungary if Lando Norris just falls short of winning the F1 championship.

McLaren instructed Norris, who was leading the race, to let his teammate Oscar Piastri pass him during the closing laps of the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix. Norris ultimately followed this directive.

Earlier, Piastri was at the front, but he changed positions with Norris due to different pit stop strategies.

Norris quickly overcame his initial frustration, but he is currently trailing championship leader Max Verstappen by 78 points.

Former F1 champion Hill mentioned on the F1 Nation podcast that if they fail to secure the championship this year with Lando, missing out on a few points, they will reflect on Hungary and wonder, "Why did we make that decision?"

Tom Clarkson had a different opinion: “Should they miss out on the drivers’ championship by a margin of seven points or fewer, I don't believe they can blame Hungary as the moment they lost it.”

"They might review all the other races where they faced problems during pit stops or when the car wasn't functioning well."

"I truly think you can't single out just one instance. Norris lost the lead at the Hungarian Grand Prix right from the beginning. He was given the leading position, but that was later adjusted. They had talked about it beforehand, and Lando had consented."

Norris secured his inaugural Formula 1 victory of the season in Miami and was poised for another win in Hungary, but chose to let his teammate Piastri achieve his first-ever win instead.

'Explanation' suggested for Lando Norris mistakes

Clarkson inquired: “Is Norris making these errors due to the pressure from his teammate? Could that be one of the reasons, at the very least?”

Hill responded by saying, "I believe there's some truth to that. Lando has relished being the key performer at McLaren, the one who delivers results and generates enthusiasm."

"He was the main guy. Now we have Oscar, who is just as great!"

"I believe Lando still holds the advantage, but it must be unsettling to see that you've only outpaced your teammate by a mere tenth of a second."

“This implies that whenever you attempt a lap, you must give it your all, or else you’ll end up trailing behind him.”

Clarkson mentioned that he believes McLaren is concentrating on winning the constructors' championship.

"Lando currently has higher high points compared to Oscar. However, while Lando experiences ups and downs, Oscar is showing more consistent performance over time."

Hill commented on Piastri, stating, "He is proving to be someone who learns progressively. He is improving step by step, becoming increasingly stronger."

The victory in the race has significantly enhanced his confidence and self-esteem, as well as influenced those around him. He is no longer seen as merely promising; he now exudes calmness and composure.

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