Lando Norris gained two crucial points over Max Verstappen in the Brazil Sprint race. He received help from teammate Oscar Piastri, who let the British driver pass to take the win. Speaking post-race, Norris was honest about the use of team orders.
McLaren willing to implement team orders
With only four rounds left in the season, there is no margin for error at McLaren.
The Woking-based team are putting all of their focus behind Lando Norris, ensuring they give him the best chance of winning the Championship.
The Sprint race at Interlagos is the latest example of how McLaren will approach the remainder of 2024.
Just two weeks ago in COTA, Andrea Stella’s team told Piastri to back off in the final laps – to avoid Norris from losing a place from his 5-place penalty.
Once again, the Australian has been made to play the team game.
Lando Norris: “It’s what we have to work towards”
There are no guarantees Norris will still be in the Championship race at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
However, McLaren are working to ensure they give the British driver every chance of doing so.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-race, Norris spoke candidly about the use of team orders:
“Max was a lot quicker at the end of the race, so my confidence was not high towards the middle-end part of the race.
“But that’s life. Oscar drove well and he deserved the win today.
“I’m not proud of winning a Sprint race or any race like this. So I thank Oscar and the team.
“But that’s our objective, it’s what we have to work towards as a team.
“We get the points in the constructors, and I get the points in the drivers – that’s our target.”
Oscar Piastri has already confirmed he will make sacrifices – within reason – to help Norris in the Championship fight.
This gives McLaren an important edge over Verstappen, who often fights against the McLaren duo without help from his teammate.
Piastri also took points away from the Dutchman in today’s Sprint – not for the first time in 2024.
With Andrea Stella’s team working towards the drivers and constructors’ titles, more positions swaps and team orders can be expected.
