**Nigel Mansell Weighs in on McLaren’s Strategic Choice: “It’s Up to Lando Norris to Step Up” Amidst Team Orders Debate**

Nigel Mansell weighs in on the McLaren team orders controversy, stating that it’s Lando Norris’s responsibility to rise to the challenge. "Lando needs to perform at least as well as, if not better than, Oscar and complete the task at hand," he said.

Nigel Mansell, the Formula 1 world champion of 1992, has shared his thoughts on McLaren's choice to support Lando Norris in this year's championship pursuit, stating that it is now Norris's responsibility to "rise to the occasion".

Norris managed to climb from a 17th-place start in qualifying to secure a fourth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowing Max Verstappen's lead to 59 points.

Across the garage at McLaren, Oscar Piastri celebrated his best race to date, triumphing over Charles Leclerc to secure his second victory in his Formula 1 career.

Despite Piastri being nearer to Norris in the rankings than Norris is to Verstappen, McLaren plans to support the British driver for the rest of the season.

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net and Sportscasting, Mansell mentioned that it is Lando's responsibility to elevate his performance, as he needs to match or surpass Oscar's speed and accomplish the task effectively.

"Lando mentioned that he prefers to achieve it through his own efforts. Therefore, the pressure is on both of them."

Mansell thinks Piastri could be key to a possible Norris championship victory, similar to the part Sergio Perez had in 2021.

“I believe it’s amazing. When there’s an opportunity to secure the drivers' or constructors' championship and one driver can assist the other, it’s ideal. A prime example from the past years is Sergio, who performed exceptionally well with Red Bull,” he commented.

"Think back to that race last year when Max held up Lewis Hamilton, and even earlier when Lewis did the same to others. I believe it brings a fresh level of excitement."

Mansell commended McLaren for their choice to support Norris, calling the decision "exceptionally professional."

He stated, “I believe their car is currently the top performer. They will manage the situation excellently, and I trust they will handle any challenges that arise, as you can't concede a position unless you're trailing.”

“If a competitor is leading and your teammate is in third place, it’s a significant decision to ask them to relinquish the victory. Nonetheless, if making that choice means you can still secure the championship, you go ahead with it.

"However, if Max is involved, what's your plan? So, you'll handle it on a race-by-race basis. I find it very professional that the team has communicated their strategy for the remainder of the year."

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