McLaren is feeling the heat in their fight for the constructors’ title, and things took a turn for the worse during the Azerbaijan GP qualifying. Lando Norris, despite showing promising pace, was knocked out in Q1 and will start the race from 17th. Team principal Andrea Stella didn’t hold back, expressing his frustration with the FIA over what he described as an “incorrectly waved yellow flag” that ruined Norris’ crucial lap.
The yellow flag, which forced Norris to back off during what could have been a strong run, has left McLaren scrambling to salvage valuable points. Stella emphasized that the situation shouldn’t have happened under the regulations and that McLaren is in active discussions with the FIA to clarify the incident. “We’re discussing now with the FIA as to why a yellow flag was displayed at that moment in time, which was extremely costly,” Stella said. “This time, there was a situation that, by the regulations, shouldn’t have happened. We paid the price but we don’t give up.”
This setback is particularly devastating for Norris, whose title hopes have taken a hit. Now, starting from 17th on the grid, the 24-year-old will have to pull off an incredible drive to claw back points for McLaren.
While Norris faces an uphill battle, his teammate Oscar Piastri continues to impress. Piastri secured a front-row start, lining up second behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after missing out on pole by just three-tenths. The young Australian has been a consistent performer for McLaren, but he knows the race will be tough, with Ferrari showing strong form in Baku.
“I think following around here will be really tough, so hopefully I can get some clean air, but I think our race pace is good,” Piastri commented. “But the Ferraris are not slow.”
With the constructors’ title on the line, McLaren desperately needs Piastri to deliver a podium, if not a victory, to stay in contention. But with Norris starting far back, the pressure is mounting on both drivers to turn their fortunes around and give McLaren a fighting chance as the season enters its critical phase.
