Assertion by Stella on Formula One team order in Monza: "It was justified"
McLaren Implements Team Order Strategy in Monza Grand Prix
McLaren Racing made a strategic move during the Italian Grand Prix, ordering Oscar Piastri to swap positions with Lando Norris on lap 49. This decision was not a spur-of-the-moment choice, but rather a carefully considered move based on the team's principles and race strategy.
The team order was not a simple matter of fairness, but a consequence of McLaren's commitment to maximizing their potential in each race. McLaren decided on a race-by-race basis, and the team order won't cause much debate within the team.
The strategy involved leaving the door open for a better result with two cars at the front in case of a red flag or safety car. McLaren wanted to stop as late as possible to have fresh soft tires against Verstappen's hard tires in case of a safety car. This strategy was evident in the pit stops, as both drivers' stops were delayed, hoping for a safety car or red flag.
Piastri's tire change during his pit stop in lap 45 was completed in an impressive 1.91 seconds. However, Norris' pit stop was affected by a problem with the left front wheel nut, causing a delay of 5.87 seconds. This delay resulted in Norris losing his position to Piastri.
McLaren's strategy also involved consulting with Norris before bringing in Piastri. If Norris had gone in first, he might have been able to maintain his position despite the slow pit stop due to a strong undercut with a new soft tire.
The team order was not solely due to the poor pit stop, but also to stagger the stops. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, defended the team order, stating it was to return to the pre-pit stop situation. This decision was independent of the retirement in Zandvoort, which McLaren had caused.
Oscar Piastri complied with the team order but expressed confusion over the situation. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen cruised to victory, winning the race by nearly 20 seconds.
McLaren's approach to racing is not hasty or impulsive. They review everything, including engineering, operational processes, and racing with their drivers, to continually question themselves and strive for excellence. A review does not necessarily mean changes will be made at McLaren. Regardless of how the championship unfolds, it's crucial that it aligns with the values and principles established by McLaren.
In summary, McLaren's decision to swap the drivers' positions on lap 49 was a strategic move aimed at maximizing their potential in the race and ensuring a better result in case of a red flag or safety car. The team order was met with compliance from both drivers, despite some confusion from Piastri. McLaren's commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and adherence to their principles were evident in their actions during the Italian Grand Prix.
