Lando Norris: "Gutted" by Team Orders in Sprint Race
Lando Norris was not happy after the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver was left frustrated after his team ordered him to let teammate Oscar Piastri pass him, which ultimately cost him a potential top-six finish.
Norris, who had been running sixth before the team order, was clearly disgruntled. He voiced his disappointment over team radio, saying he felt “gutted” about the situation. It seemed he felt he was the faster driver and could have held onto his position.
So, what happened? Norris started the race in sixth place, ahead of Piastri. The two McLaren drivers were running in a tight battle for position, with Norris initially getting the upper hand. But then, the team instructed Norris to let Piastri pass him. This was done in an attempt to improve Piastri’s race position, as he had a better starting position for the main race on Sunday.
While it's understandable that teams sometimes make tactical decisions to benefit their overall performance, Norris felt the team order was unfair. He expressed this frustration after the race, stating that he felt like he was being penalized for his strong performance.
The incident highlights the complex and often controversial world of team orders in Formula 1. While teams are ultimately trying to maximize their overall results, individual drivers often feel like they are being put at a disadvantage.
From the team's perspective, the decision to prioritize Piastri was likely based on the idea that he had a better chance of securing a good result in the main race. They were playing the long game, hoping to gain an advantage for Sunday. But from Norris's point of view, it felt like a slap in the face. He had been running well, and felt he was being punished for his efforts.
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to use team orders is a difficult one for teams. There are no easy answers, and different teams will have different philosophies. But for Lando Norris, it was a frustrating experience, and he was not afraid to express his feelings. His disappointment was clear, and it remains to be seen how the team will handle similar situations in the future.