Lando Norris played a pivotal role in securing Oscar Piastri’s victory at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following team orders to hold up Sergio Perez and keep his McLaren teammate ahead. The result propelled McLaren into the lead of the Constructors’ Championship, marking a seismic shift in the F1 title battle, previously tipped to be a two-horse race between Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
McLaren had publicly backed Norris as their number-one driver heading into the weekend, a decision that was called into question after his unfortunate Q1 elimination on Saturday. Starting from 15th, the Brit’s chances of contending for victory were dashed early, but the team turned their hopes to Piastri, who delivered a flawless drive.
Norris’s crucial contribution came after the pit stops, when he slowed Perez’s pursuit of Piastri, allowing the Australian to maintain the lead. It was a masterclass in teamwork, with McLaren using both of its drivers to execute a strategic masterstroke and secure maximum points.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, was full of praise for his drivers post-race. He acknowledged Piastri’s brilliance while highlighting Norris’s vital role in holding off Perez.
“What brilliancy in Oscar’s drive today and what teamwork because Lando did a bit of the job in helping Oscar stay ahead of Perez,” Stella said. “And what a recovery from P15 on the grid. What a strong team, strong drivers – just so proud of them. We would take a boring win now!”
McLaren’s triumph in Baku was historic, as the team overtook Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 2014. Piastri’s second career victory, combined with Norris’s defensive heroics, underscored the Woking-based squad’s resurgence as a genuine title contender.
While McLaren has established itself as a force in this year’s championship, the team’s handling of its two drivers may require reassessment. Despite initially anointing Norris as the number-one driver, Piastri’s performance in Azerbaijan makes it difficult to maintain that stance without potentially undermining their championship bid.
As the F1 season heats up, Andrea Stella and McLaren must navigate the delicate balance of managing two highly competitive drivers while keeping the title in sight. With seven races remaining, how McLaren handles team orders in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining who emerges as the dominant force in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
