Former Formula 1 driver weighs in on McLaren team orders at Monza | F1 Italian Grand Prix. Former F1 drivers and commentators suggest the team is clearly favoring Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri for the world championship..

F1 | For a former driver, it’s clear: McLaren wants Norris to win the world championship

Following the team order at Monza, McLaren is under the spotlight: according to a former F1 driver, the favoritism is obvious.

Formula 1 has left Monza, but the wave of controversy continues. During the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, McLaren sparked a media storm after instructing Oscar Piastri to give up his position to teammate Lando Norris.

The incident occurred after the whirlwind of pit stops. Piastri had pitted earlier to cover Ferrari’s strategy for Charles Leclerc, while Norris stopped one lap later. However, a problem with the left front tire slowed the Australian, leaving him behind his teammate. At that point, the team called Piastri to let Norris through, a decision that triggered widespread debate.

Many observers were displeased, convinced that the team had influenced the race outcome. Former driver David Coulthard openly described it as “manipulation,” while several commentators believe McLaren is clearly signaling that they intend to back Norris for the world championship.

Even Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 boss, did not hold back criticism. According to him, the team’s management penalized Piastri for a problem that was not his fault and clearly demonstrated the team’s preferences. “It feels like Woking prefers a world champion named Lando Norris,” he stated.

The issue of “fairness” has once again become central to the debate: is it right for Piastri to pay the price for a pit stop issue beyond his control? Meanwhile, the championship standings are heating up: with eight races remaining, the two McLaren drivers are separated by only 31 points, with the world title still very much undecided.