Oscar Piastri Hurt by McLaren 'Whining' in Team Order 'Mess' Verdict

RSKY1
Nov 30, 2024, 8:48 AM ET

Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

Oscar Piastri’s recent struggles at McLaren have been attributed to the team's inconsistent approach to team orders, according to pundit Olav Mol. Explore the impact of McLaren's 'whining' and team order confusion on Piastri's performance in the 2024 F1 season.

Oscar Piastri’s recent struggles in the 2024 Formula 1 season have sparked criticism of McLaren’s inconsistent approach to team orders. According to pundit Olav Mol, McLaren's indecision and what he describes as "whining" within the team have negatively impacted Piastri’s form. Despite showing promise earlier in the season, the young Australian driver has been caught in a storm of team order confusion that has resulted in a series of disappointing results, including just one podium finish in the last five Grands Prix.

Piastri vs. Norris: The 2024 McLaren Dynamic

At the start of the 2024 season, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris entered McLaren with equal footing, both hoping to challenge for strong results. However, it was Norris who emerged as a genuine contender for the championship, becoming Max Verstappen’s main rival. This success led McLaren to take a more assertive stance in its team orders, prioritizing Norris’ title push over Piastri’s development.

The team’s first notable intervention came after the Italian Grand Prix, where, despite being told of McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’ favoring Norris, Piastri made an aggressive move to overtake Norris for the lead. This maneuver ultimately opened the door for Charles Leclerc, who went on to win the race. The confusion surrounding team orders was evident, as McLaren’s strategy wasn’t entirely clear even after this race.

McLaren Tightens Team Orders: Azerbaijan and Beyond

The situation became more clear in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where McLaren made it known that team decisions would favor Norris, should the need arise. However, this did not prove necessary, as Piastri lined up in second position on the grid, with Norris only in P15. Piastri went on to claim his second-ever F1 victory, with Norris finishing in P4. McLaren further solidified its position, declaring that its team orders would be biased in Norris’ favor, despite warnings from pundits.

Concerns Raised by Pundits: Damage to Piastri's Development

Several former drivers and F1 experts, including Ralf Schumacher and ex-team principal Eddie Jordan, warned McLaren that the decision to prioritize Norris over Piastri could hinder the Australian’s growth and career. Their concerns have proven prescient, as Piastri has since struggled to replicate his earlier successes. With just one podium finish in the last five races, Piastri’s performance has taken a noticeable dip, and the impact of the team’s inconsistent orders has been evident.

Olav Mol Critiques McLaren's Approach

Olav Mol, a Dutch motorsport pundit, has been particularly vocal about McLaren's handling of the situation. Speaking on Ziggo Sport, Mol stated, “Yes, how come all that mess? That’s because of all that whining at McLaren. ‘Yes, we don’t do team orders. Oh, we’re going to do team orders. Oh no, we don’t do team orders anymore.’” Mol criticized the inconsistency within the team, saying it was detrimental to Piastri’s development. He further remarked that Piastri is “much too young” to be dealing with such confusion, emphasizing that drivers need to learn how to win with all the pressures that come with it.

The Brazil Sprint Race Controversy

Mol also pointed to the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint race, where Piastri was forced to yield to Norris. Despite the Brazilian GP Sprint being an opportunity for both drivers to shine, Piastri handed the position to Norris, a move that did little to help his own momentum. Mol argued that this decision further compounded the issue, noting that the constant back-and-forth over team orders had put unnecessary strain on Piastri’s performance.

McLaren’s Championship Efforts: The Aftermath

Despite McLaren’s efforts to keep Norris in the title race, the situation took a turn for the worse just 24 hours after the Brazilian GP Sprint. Norris made several mistakes during the race and ultimately finished in sixth place, well behind Max Verstappen, who went on to clinch the championship with a dominant performance. By the time of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen had sealed his fifth title, leaving Norris in a battle for second place against Charles Leclerc.

Piastri's Results: A Declining Trend

As the season progressed, Piastri’s form has continued to suffer. With just one podium finish in the last four Grands Prix, Piastri has struggled to assert himself in a competitive field. While Norris remains a strong contender for second place in the standings, Piastri has been unable to mount a serious challenge. The inconsistency in McLaren’s approach to team orders has clearly had a detrimental effect on his performances, making it more difficult for him to showcase his full potential.

Conclusion: McLaren’s Team Order Mess and Piastri's Development

The 2024 season has proven to be a difficult one for Oscar Piastri, and McLaren’s inconsistent handling of team orders has played a significant role in his struggles. The confusion surrounding their approach to team orders, paired with Piastri’s forced compliance in situations like the Brazilian Sprint race, has hindered his ability to capitalize on strong performances. With just one podium finish in the last five races, Piastri’s development has been stunted by the team’s internal conflicts and lack of clarity. As the season nears its conclusion, it remains to be seen how McLaren will address these issues and how Piastri’s future with the team will evolve.