Breaking: McLaren remove ‘PRIVILEGES’ from Lando Norris after rules…read more
McLaren Adjust Team Orders Policy for Lando Norris Ahead of 2025 F1 Season
Lando Norris has revealed that McLaren is set to revise its approach to team orders for the 2025 Formula 1 season, signaling a shift in the dynamics between him and teammate Oscar Piastri. This decision comes after a 2024 season where Norris enjoyed certain “privileges” within the team, which he claims he had “earned” based on his performance.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, McLaren’s use of team orders often sparked debate, particularly regarding instances where Norris and Piastri were instructed to swap positions during races. The situation reached a boiling point during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris briefly resisted calls from the team to allow Piastri through. This defiance highlighted underlying tensions and brought McLaren’s internal strategy under public scrutiny.
Despite the controversies, Norris remained McLaren’s standout driver in 2024, consistently delivering strong results and asserting himself as the team’s lead driver. This performance reportedly justified the “privileges” afforded to him, including strategic advantages in certain races. However, with Piastri showing significant improvement and becoming increasingly competitive, McLaren now aims to foster a more balanced approach between its drivers moving forward.
Reflecting on the team’s decision, Norris acknowledged that the adjustments stem from a need to ensure fairness and consistency. “The team has decided to refresh our approach to team orders, which is understandable,” he said. “Last season, I felt I had earned certain privileges, but Oscar has proven himself to be a strong competitor. This change will help us work better together as teammates.”
McLaren’s move is seen as an effort to maintain harmony within the team while capitalizing on the strengths of both drivers. Piastri, in his rookie season, showcased his potential by securing podium finishes and challenging Norris on several occasions. Team principal Andrea Stella has previously emphasized the importance of collaboration between the drivers to maximize the team’s overall performance.
Heading into the 2025 season, McLaren hopes the revised strategy will prevent any friction and promote a united front in the championship battle. While Norris may no longer enjoy preferential treatment, his experience and proven track record are expected to keep him at the forefront of the team’s efforts. Meanwhile, Piastri’s development will likely benefit from a more equitable environment, ensuring a competitive and dynamic partnership.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how McLaren’s updated policies shape the relationship between its drivers and influence their on-track performance.
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