Lando Norris, despite his undeniable talent and current standing in the F1 championship, has not yet done enough to fully earn McLaren’s unwavering support as the team’s number one driver. However, the evolving dynamics of the 2024 season, particularly Red Bull’s unexpected struggles, are pushing McLaren closer to the reality that team orders might be necessary to bolster Norris’s title chances.
McLaren’s impressive form this season, highlighted by Norris’s recent pole position at Monza, has transformed the team into a serious contender not only for the Constructors’ Championship but also for the Drivers’ title. Yet, the team has been reluctant to enforce strict team orders, as evidenced by Norris finishing directly behind his teammate Oscar Piastri in two of the last three races, including the Italian Grand Prix.
At Monza, McLaren found themselves in a prime position, starting first and second on the grid while Red Bull languished on the fourth row. Despite this advantage, McLaren fell short of securing victory, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to snatch the win with a one-stop strategy. Norris, who finished third, gained only eight points on championship leader Max Verstappen, missing a golden opportunity to further close the gap.
The lack of team orders meant that Piastri was allowed to overtake Norris on the opening lap, a move that Norris later suggested contributed to McLaren’s missed opportunity. While Piastri’s pass was perfectly executed and within the team’s “papaya rules,” which permit racing as long as there’s no contact or excessive risk, it raised questions about whether McLaren is making the most of its championship potential.
Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the need to review McLaren’s approach to ensure they can “pursue, in the best possible manner, both the constructors’ championship and the drivers’ championship.” Stella admitted that while McLaren considered various strategies during the race to maximize Norris’s chances, they did not contemplate ordering Piastri to let Norris pass.
Norris, for his part, has made it clear that he does not want to rely on team orders to achieve success, emphasizing that he is “not here to just beg for someone to let me pass.” However, he did express that he would “love it” if McLaren and Piastri supported his championship bid.
The situation McLaren faces is a delicate one. Prioritizing Norris could risk damaging the team’s dynamic, especially if he fails to capitalize on the opportunity. On the other hand, failing to support Norris adequately could cost them both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Stella has indicated that McLaren is now more open to using team orders in “50-50 situations” where Norris may need extra support, but insists that any such decision would require agreement from Piastri. The team is expected to use the upcoming break in the calendar to establish clearer rules regarding when and how Piastri may be asked to support Norris.
As the season progresses, McLaren’s approach will likely become more defined. While Norris may need Piastri’s assistance in specific circumstances, the onus is on him to perform consistently and minimize the need for such help. Only by doing so can Norris prove himself worthy of the championship—and McLaren’s full backing.
