Norris Disappointed With Team Orders In Sao Paulo

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Norris Disappointed With Team Orders in Sao Paulo

McLaren's Lando Norris expressed his disappointment with the team orders implemented during the Brazilian Grand Prix, feeling the strategy hampered his own potential for a strong finish.

The British driver, who qualified fifth on the grid, found himself battling with his teammate, Oscar Piastri, for much of the race. While Piastri was ultimately instructed to hold position, Norris felt the team orders were ultimately detrimental to his own race strategy.

"I was just trying to race, obviously," Norris said post-race. "They [the team] just said, 'Don't overtake Oscar,' which was a bit of a shame. I felt like I had more pace than him. I felt like I could have been a lot higher up, a bit more competitive with the guys in front."

Norris' frustration stemmed from the fact that he had been on a different tire strategy than Piastri. While Piastri opted for a two-stop strategy, Norris was on a one-stop, hoping to capitalize on a late-race push for a podium finish.

"I think the team were trying to protect both cars, but ultimately, they were sacrificing my race to do so," Norris lamented. "We were on different strategies, so I think I had a better chance to finish higher up."

The team orders ultimately resulted in Piastri finishing seventh, while Norris ended the race in ninth. This outcome drew criticism from some fans and pundits, who argued that Norris was unfairly penalized for his teammate's strategy.

Despite the disappointment, Norris was quick to acknowledge the team's efforts and remained focused on future races. "I'm still proud of the team for their work," he said. "It just didn't work out exactly how we wanted it to. We'll learn from this and come back stronger in Abu Dhabi."

This incident highlights the delicate balance that teams face when deciding between individual driver performance and overall team strategy. While team orders are often employed to maximize points for the team, they can sometimes create friction and lead to disappointment amongst drivers, as evidenced by Norris's experience in Brazil.

Moving forward, McLaren will need to find a way to strike a balance between individual driver ambitions and team goals, ensuring that both drivers have the opportunity to perform to their full potential while also supporting the team's overall objectives.