Time to Back Norris: McLaren’s Strategic Missteps and the Rising Pressure on Lando

McLaren must show more support for Lando Norris, though he also needs to make personal improvements. This analysis comes in the wake of a thrilling Italian Grand Prix, highlighting McLaren's hesitance to fully endorse Norris.

Support for Norris is crucial

McLaren found themselves in the spotlight once more at the Italian Grand Prix, squandering yet another opportunity to secure a Formula 1 win.

Oscar Piastri delivered an outstanding performance at Monza, executing a bold pass on his McLaren teammate Lando Norris and subsequently building a lead of more than five seconds.

McLaren's conservative strategy proved costly when they opted for two pit stops, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc chose a single-stop plan, leading to a victory in his home race.

This marks the fourth lost chance following races in Canada, Britain, and potentially Belgium, where McLaren might have secured victories if they had made more effective strategic choices.

However, a more urgent concern for McLaren is Norris' quest for the drivers' championship – and whether they should support him at this point.

Norris is trailing Max Verstappen by only 62 points in the drivers' championship with eight races remaining. Considering the current progress of both teams, the British driver has a strong opportunity to win this year's title.

McLaren's strong performance, especially when compared to Red Bull's struggles, should encourage the leadership at the Woking-based team to support Norris in his quest for this year's world championship.

Following the Monza race, it seems that team leader Andrea Stella is inclined to take that course of action.

Speaking to the press at Monza, with Crash.net in attendance, he stated: "We must now recognize that winning the constructor's championship is within reach," Stella commented.

"Considering our current car performance and the challenges Red Bull is facing, it's certainly achievable even from the perspective of a driver."

"In order to compete for both championships, we must ensure that the team and Lando are well-prepared."

Reflecting on the events of the first lap, Piastri's conduct during his close racing with Norris is beyond reproach.

His move against Norris was impressive and bold, and it could have secured him the victory at Monza if he had adhered to a one-stop strategy.

Though Piastri’s move allowed Leclerc to overtake Norris, it didn't go against the team’s pre-race guidelines.

However, considering the chance that Norris might truly become the world champion this year, it was an unnecessary gamble. The team could have easily managed it by giving clear guidelines on behavior beyond the initial corners before the race began.

Still, Norris cannot be exempt from criticism for his lackluster defense against Piastri, as he essentially left an opening for his teammate to overtake him.

Certainly, the team must decide on a course of action starting with the races in Azerbaijan. However, Norris needs to avoid providing Piastri with reasons, such as what happened in Hungary, to disrupt his quest for the championship.

Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen have all shown a relentless attitude towards their teammates when necessary. Now, it's time for Lando Norris to adopt a similar approach.

More than just a ‘qualifying expert’

Leclerc keeps delivering impressive performances on race days in 2024, and Monza was no exception.

Despite initially expressing concerns about being overshadowed by Norris, Leclerc expertly managed his tyres after the two McLarens made their second pit stops, ultimately securing a heartfelt victory.

Previously, Leclerc was frequently described as a 'quali merchant' or a specialist in qualifying, known for his remarkable speed during Saturday sessions to secure pole positions, but then losing ground during the actual race.

This year’s Ferrari has improved balance and a more neutral handling of its tyres, allowing Leclerc to demonstrate his top-notch tyre preservation skills on Sundays.

Leclerc has proven himself to be a versatile driver who will undoubtedly challenge Hamilton significantly in the upcoming season.

Red Bull's Unusual Decline

At the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen's struggles persisted, as he crossed the finish line in sixth place, trailing Leclerc by more than 35 seconds.

Considering their strong performance at the start of the season, where they dominated the initial races, it's perplexing to see them leave a race weekend ranked as the fourth-best team now.

A decline in performance of this magnitude has never been seen before.

Brawn GP transitioned from being top race victors to a status comparable to Red Bull's current position, primarily due to insufficient funding and development.

Red Bull possesses all the necessary resources and staff to reverse the situation.

The concern for Red Bull is that McLaren has enhanced their vehicle with a recent upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix. With upcoming races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, which are anticipated to be less favorable for the RB20, Red Bull may face further challenges.

New Audi CEO Mattia Binotto observed the challenges firsthand in the Sauber garage during the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

This marks the initial occasion that the ex-Ferrari chief has been spotted engaging with the Hinwil team since his announcement in July.

Binotto will lead Audi's Formula 1 team in the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, while Jonathan Wheatley will become the team principal once he transitions from Red Bull.

The Italian faces a monumental task as Sauber is currently at the bottom of the constructors' championship standings.

Sauber has not managed to secure a top 10 position in any race during 2024, and the Monza race did not improve their record.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu occupied the last positions on the starting grid, making their team the slowest during the race.

Binotto expressed to Motorsport.com, "It's not something we can manage. Our team needs to transform into a victorious one in the future. The sole path to achieve this is by advancing and making progress. We must prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead."

"Absolutely, we definitely need to make improvements. It's crucial for us personally, for the team, for the brand, and for our partners. We can't just settle for where we are right now."

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