Nico Rosberg Criticizes McLaren’s Equal Driver Policy as ‘Hurting’ Lando Norris Amid Team Orders Debate

Nico Rosberg’s assessment of the McLaren team orders controversy

Nico Rosberg evaluates the clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Nico Rosberg claims that McLaren's choice to allow their drivers to compete against each other is negatively affecting Lando Norris.

However, he emphasized that McLaren's leadership decisions were not necessarily responsible for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc securing victory at the F1 Italian Grand Prix.

Norris began the race in the lead but was passed by his teammate Oscar Piastri during the initial lap, leaving him at a disadvantage. As a result, he failed to regain his position and lost the opportunity to significantly challenge Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship.

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

"Papaya may dominate, but they should win ethically," stated Rosberg.

Sources indicate that Lando felt Oscar exceeded acceptable boundaries during their contest at Turn 4. Lando seemingly believed it was not a fair maneuver.

"Intense debates are expected to take place within the McLaren team’s motorhome."

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

"I believe Oscar performed excellently. He vacated the area and did an outstanding job."

Andrea Stella, who is currently the team principal of McLaren, was employed at Ferrari during the time when Michael Schumacher was the clear top driver.

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

“This kind of approach originates from the highest levels. It is instilled by Zak Brown,” he stated.

"We treat both of our drivers equally and consider them as top-tier, which has always been a fundamental principle at McLaren. Andrea is currently implementing this approach."

"They believed they had a chance at victory until the last moment."

The team allowed their drivers to compete against each other, making the event thrilling and entertaining. Ultimately, Ferrari took a gamble with their strategy and successfully outmaneuvered their competitors.

The issue at hand involves Lando and the drivers' championship. The team has opted to continue treating both drivers as equals, rather than giving Lando preferential treatment. While that’s the choice they’ve made, it’s clearly having a negative impact on Lando.

Do McLaren tend to avoid taking risks?

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points, even though Verstappen tops the drivers' standings despite currently experiencing a slump in performance.

Karun Chandhok stated that in order to contend for the drivers’ championship, they must ensure Lando gets all the points possible.

"Conversely, they've allowed them to compete freely, which benefits Oscar. He performed excellently and was the quickest McLaren driver today."

“In the long run, it’s more beneficial to have Oscar as an ally.”

Rosberg commented: "Lando is performing exceptionally. He’s been driving impressively, and his confidence is soaring."

"It is encouraging that he senses 'I have an opportunity'. He remains the less favored competitor."

"For Lando, the error occurred at Turn 4. He was positioned on the inside and had the advantage, but he played it too safe."

Is McLaren being overly cautious when it comes to taking chances

Rosberg replied: "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. I wouldn't label it that way, based on today's events."

“Cautious? Their drivers went all out against each other! They competed closely, and Lando nearly lost control while dueling with Oscar.”

Rosberg asserted that the McLaren drivers' skirmish on the first lap did not prevent them from winning the race.

"Not exactly. Oscar had an incredible race. They performed at their peak today with that car," he mentioned.

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