Nico Rosberg Criticizes McLaren’s Team Orders: Claims Equal Driver Status Hurts Lando Norris

Nico Rosberg weighs in on McLaren's team orders controversy

Nico Rosberg evaluates the competition between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

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

However, he emphasized that Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s victory at the F1 Italian Grand Prix was not necessarily a result of the choices made by McLaren's leadership.

Norris began the race at the front but was quickly passed by his teammate Oscar Piastri during the opening lap, which set him back. He was unable to regain his position and lost the opportunity to significantly impact Max Verstappen's lead in the drivers' championship.

Former Formula 1 champion Rosberg reviewed McLaren's strategy of treating both drivers equally, as discussed on Sky Sports.

"Papaya's principles are about competition, but it's crucial to compete with integrity," stated Rosberg.

Reports indicate that Lando felt Oscar exceeded acceptable boundaries during their skirmish at Turn 4. Lando apparently believed the maneuver was not entirely within the rules.

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

"It's quite challenging to handle. It's a delicate balance. You can document those guidelines, but did Oscar exceed the boundaries set by the Papaya regulations?"

"I believe Oscar performed excellently. He vacated the area and executed his task remarkably well."

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

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

He stated that this philosophy originates from the highest level, specifically from Zak Brown.

“At McLaren, we maintain two primary drivers, a tradition rooted in our history. Andrea is currently implementing this strategy.”

"They believed they had a chance to win right up until the final moments."

The drivers were allowed to compete against each other, making the event thrilling and enjoyable. Ultimately, Ferrari took a gamble with their strategy and managed to outsmart the competition.

The issue revolves around Lando and the drivers' championship. The team has chosen to continue treating both drivers as equals, without giving Lando any special preference. While this is the decision they've made, it is clearly having a negative impact on Lando.

Do McLaren avoid taking risks?

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points, who remains at the top of the drivers' standings even after a stretch of poor performance.

Karun Chandhok stated that to compete for the drivers' championship, they must ensure Lando receives every possible point.

"Conversely, allowing them to compete has been beneficial for Oscar. He performed exceptionally well and was the quickest driver for McLaren today."

"In the long run, it's more advantageous to have Oscar as an ally, too."

Rosberg mentioned that Lando is performing exceptionally. He is driving impressively and his confidence is soaring.

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

"Lando made an error at Turn 4. Positioned on the inside, he was in control but ended up being overly cautious."

Is McLaren overly cautious about taking chances?

Rosberg responded by saying, "Too risk averse? That's hard to determine. They were taken by surprise today. No one could have foreseen that Ferrari's strategy would pay off. I wouldn't label them as such based on today's events."

“Risk-averse? They allowed their drivers to engage in an intense duel! They went head-to-head, and Lando nearly lost control while battling Oscar.”

Rosberg asserted that the McLarens' clash during the first lap did not prevent them from winning the race.

"Not exactly. Oscar had an exceptional race. They maximized the car's potential today," he stated.

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