McLaren unity holds firm in F1 title race controversy
Team boss Andrea Stella (centre) says McLaren's "racing principles" underpin their approach

McLaren unity holds firm in F1 title race controversy

McLaren Show Culture Over Conflict in Monza Pit Stop Drama

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix presented McLaren with the kind of self-inflicted strategy dilemma that has historically ignited bitter team-mate rivalries in Formula 1. But Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri once again showed that their title fight is built on respect, not rebellion.

Despite a pit stop order mix-up at Monza that flipped track positions and could’ve triggered fury, McLaren’s drivers reverted to formation without drama—a rarity in the cutthroat world of intra-team championship battles.

Pit Strategy Sparks Confusion

For most of the race, Norris and Piastri ran comfortably in P2 and P3 behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. But with McLaren choosing to delay pit stops in a high-risk gamble, things unraveled unexpectedly.

McLaren pitted Piastri first, reversing the usual protocol of giving the lead driver pit stop priority. Norris was reassured this wouldn’t affect position—but a slow pit stop cost him, and he rejoined behind his team-mate.

The team then instructed Piastri to let Norris back through. Initially confused, the Australian complied. Norris regained second place, and Piastri’s championship lead narrowed to 31 points.

McLaren’s Culture: Fairness First

The moment Oscar Piastri (right) moved over and slowed down to allow McLaren team-mate Lando Norris to overtake him on lap 49 of 53

The moment Oscar Piastri (right) moved over and slowed down to allow McLaren team-mate Lando Norris to overtake him on lap 49 of 53

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella framed the call as not just strategic but ethical, upholding the team’s “racing principles” of fairness and integrity.

“We thought it was absolutely the right thing to go back to the situation pre-existing the pit stop,” said Stella. “It’s about consistency with our principles.”

Even Piastri, who initially questioned the call on radio, accepted the team’s logic post-race.

“Lando qualified ahead and was ahead all race,” he said. “It was a fair request.”

Norris echoed the sentiment:

“It proves we’re a fair team. Just because others haven’t done that doesn’t mean they’re right.”

Why Did McLaren Pit Piastri First?

McLaren said the decision aimed to protect Piastri from undercut pressure by Charles Leclerc, who had pitted early. However, Leclerc was far enough behind that the urgency was questionable.

Stella admitted the call would be reviewed:

“We’ll check whether that was necessary or not.”

A more likely, though unspoken, rationale was safety car insurance: had a safety car emerged while Piastri was yet to stop, he could have leapfrogged Norris unfairly.

Comparison to F1 History

If McLaren outscore Ferrari by nine points at the next grand prix in Azerbaijan, they will be crowned constructors' champions with seven races still remaining in the season

If McLaren outscore Ferrari by nine points at the next grand prix in Azerbaijan, they will be crowned constructors’ champions with seven races still remaining in the season

This level of cooperation stands in stark contrast to historic team-mate battles:

  • Hamilton vs Rosberg at Mercedes

  • Webber vs Vettel at Red Bull

  • Senna vs Prost at McLaren

  • Alonso vs Hamilton during his McLaren stint

In contrast, McLaren’s environment under Stella is engineered to suppress tension, cultivating long-term success over short-term gains.

“We want the best chance at winning championships for as long as we’re in F1,” said Piastri.

“Protecting the people around us that give us this opportunity is very important.”

A Bigger Vision

What makes this approach remarkable is that McLaren aren’t just winning races—they’re winning with unity. After lifting the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, they now lead both championships in 2025 and still put team harmony above ego.

In qualifying at Monza, Piastri gave Norris a crucial tow, even though it risked giving his rival a direct advantage in the title chase.

The McLaren approach under Stella may be unique in modern F1, but so far, it’s also unstoppably effective.

“It’s why we’re the best team,” Norris concluded.

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