### Nico Rosberg Critiques McLaren’s Equal Driver Policy Amid Norris-Piastri Clash: Is It Costing Lando Norris the Championship? —

Nico Rosberg's opinion on the McLaren team orders controversy

Nico Rosberg evaluates the Lando Norris vs. Oscar Piastri clash

Nico Rosberg claims that McLaren allowing their drivers to compete against each other is negatively affecting Lando Norris.

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

Norris began the race in the leading position but was quickly passed by his teammate Oscar Piastri during the opening lap, putting him at a disadvantage. As a result, he was unable to regain his position and lost the opportunity to make a significant impact on Max Verstappen's lead in the drivers' championship.

Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg discussed McLaren's strategy of treating their drivers equally during a segment on Sky Sports.

"Compete fiercely, but do so with fairness," stated Rosberg.

Sources indicate that Lando felt Oscar crossed the line during their confrontation at Turn 4. He believed that the move was not completely fair.

"Intense debates are expected to take place in the McLaren team headquarters."

"It is quite challenging to handle. It's a delicate balance. You can put those rules in writing, but did Oscar exceed the boundaries according to the Papaya guidelines?"

"I believe Oscar performed exceptionally well. He exited the area and executed his tasks brilliantly."

Andrea Stella, who now serves as the team principal for McLaren, was part of Ferrari during the era when Michael Schumacher held the clear position of top driver.

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

"He stated that this philosophy is mandated by the highest level, originating from Zak Brown."

"We consider both our drivers as number one, a fundamental principle of McLaren that has a long history. Andrea is implementing this strategy."

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

"The team allowed their drivers to compete against each other, creating an entertaining and thrilling spectacle. Ultimately, Ferrari took a gamble with their strategy and outsmarted them."

The issue at hand involves Lando and the drivers' championship. The team has chosen to continue treating both drivers as equals, without giving Lando any special preference. While that's their decision, it is undoubtedly detrimental to Lando.

Are McLaren playing it safe?

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points, even though Verstappen remains at the top of the drivers’ standings despite going through a rough patch.

Karun Chandhok stated: “To compete in the drivers’ championship, they must ensure Lando gets all the points possible.

"Conversely, they've allowed the drivers to compete, which benefits Oscar. He performed exceptionally well and was the quickest McLaren driver today."

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

Rosberg commented, “Lando is performing exceptionally. He’s driving skillfully and his confidence is soaring.”

"It's encouraging that he senses an opportunity. Despite this, he remains the less favored contender."

"Lando made an error at Turn 4. Despite being on the inside and having the situation under control, he was overly cautious."

Is McLaren overly cautious about taking chances?

Rosberg responded by saying, "It's hard to label them as too risk averse. Today, they were taken by surprise. No one could have foreseen that Ferrari's strategy would be successful. So, I wouldn't agree with that statement based on today's events."

“Cautious? Not at all! The drivers were allowed to fiercely compete, going head-to-head, and Lando nearly lost control during his duel with Oscar.”

Rosberg argued that McLaren's internal competition in the first lap wasn't the reason they lost the race.

"Not necessarily. Oscar put in an amazing performance. They maximized the potential of the car today," he stated.

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