Rosberg Weighs In: McLaren’s ‘Equal Driver’ Policy Hurting Norris in Championship Bid

Nico Rosberg gives his opinion on the debate surrounding McLaren's team orders

Nico Rosberg evaluates the competition between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

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

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

Norris began the race in the leading position, but his teammate Oscar Piastri passed him during the initial lap, setting him back. He was unable to regain his position throughout the race and failed to make a significant impact on Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship standings.

Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg discussed McLaren's strategy of not favoring any one driver during an analysis for Sky Sports.

"Papaya sets the rules for competition, but insists on fair play," said Rosberg.

Sources indicate that Lando believed Oscar exceeded the acceptable boundaries during their contest at Turn 4. He felt the maneuver was not entirely fair or within the rules.

Intense debates are expected to take place in 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 did an outstanding job."

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

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

"This philosophy is directed from the highest level. It originates with Zak Brown," he stated.

"We consider both our drivers as top-tier competitors, which is a fundamental principle of McLaren's long-standing tradition. Andrea is currently implementing this strategy."

"They believed they had a chance to win right up until the last moment."

"The team allowed their drivers to compete against each other, creating an entertaining and thrilling spectacle. Ultimately, Ferrari took a gamble with their strategy, which surprised everyone and paid off."

The team faces a dilemma concerning Lando and the drivers' championship. They have opted to continue treating both drivers equally, rather than giving Lando preferential treatment. While this is the path they've chosen, it is undoubtedly impacting Lando negatively.

Do McLaren avoid taking risks?

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points, even though Verstappen is leading the drivers’ championship despite experiencing a significant slump.

Karun Chandhok mentioned that in order to compete in the drivers' championship, they must ensure Lando gets all possible points.

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

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

Rosberg commented, "Lando is in great form right now. He's performing excellently and his confidence is soaring."

“It is 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 played it too safe."

Do McLaren lack boldness when it comes to taking chances

Rosberg responded by saying, "It's hard to label them as too risk-averse. They were unexpectedly taken by surprise today. No one could have foreseen that Ferrari's strategy would be successful. Based on today's events, I wouldn't characterize them that way."

"Concerned about taking risks? They allowed their drivers to fiercely compete against each other! They raced side by side, and Lando nearly lost control in the skirmish with Oscar."

Rosberg emphasized that the confrontation between the McLaren drivers during the first lap did not prevent them from winning the race.

"Not necessarily. Oscar had an outstanding race. They maximized their performance with the car today," he commented.

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