Oscar Piastri Speaks Out After Lando Norris Drama Rattles McLaren

Oscar Piastri has stressed the importance of protecting McLaren’s staff after Lando Norris suffered a slow pit stop at the Italian Grand Prix, a mistake that shifted the late-race dynamics at Monza.



The Australian driver underlined that supporting his team is more important than personal gain, even when it comes at a cost in the championship standings.



Costly Error at Monza



Norris lost significant time during a routine stop when a mechanic struggled to secure his front-left tire.



The delay allowed Piastri to overtake his teammate in the closing stages of the race.



However, McLaren soon intervened, instructing the 23-year-old to hand the position back.



Although initially hesitant, Piastri complied with the order, sacrificing what would have been a six-point swing against Norris in the standings.



“Putting Yourself Second”



Speaking after the race, Piastri said the decision was the right one.



“We’ve said many times that we don’t want the chance of success just for this year,” he explained.



“There’s a big regulation change next year – we don’t know how competitive we’re going to be, and we don’t know how competitive anyone’s going to be.”



He emphasized that his and Norris’s long-term futures at McLaren meant that prioritizing the health of the team was vital.



“Protecting the people around us that give us this opportunity is a very important thing,” he said.



“It’s easy enough to put yourself second at times like that.”



Norris Had the Edge



Piastri also pointed out that Norris had been quicker throughout the race, making it easier to justify the decision.



“If we were fighting very closely for the whole race, then it’s slightly different, but Lando was ahead by a few seconds the whole race, so there’s no concern for me with that,” he explained.



The Australian added that he had “no concern” in correcting the misfortune caused by the pit stop error.



Protecting the Team



Addressing the mechanic’s mistake directly, Piastri highlighted the emotional toll errors can take on team members.



“Protecting the people, that includes the people doing the pit stops… It’s not a very nice feeling, I would imagine,” he said.



“It’s important to protect all the people that we have because that’s what gives us a championship hope for years to come.”



With both drivers signed to long-term deals at McLaren and major regulation changes looming, Piastri’s comments reflect a broader strategy of prioritizing harmony over short-term rivalry.



The message was clear: McLaren’s best chance at sustained success lies in unity, even in the face of difficult in-race decisions.
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