Piastri rejects cutthroat title tactics, prioritizes long-term McLaren success
Oscar Piastri Reaffirms Team-First Approach Amid McLaren Team Orders Controversy
Oscar Piastri says he won’t adopt a more ruthless approach in the championship fight if it risks McLaren’s broader objectives, reaffirming his trust in the team after the team orders controversy at Monza.
The Australian’s advantage over teammate Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings shrank by three points to 31 after the Italian Grand Prix, where McLaren instructed Piastri to hand back second place following a late pit cycle that briefly flipped their running order.
Piastri Backs McLaren After Monza Incident
In an exclusive interview with ESPN this week, Piastri said constructive debriefs about the incident have already taken place, and he backed McLaren’s handling of the situation.
"We have had very good discussions this week about what went on and what can be made clearer, what can be improved," Piastri said. "That's always kind of a learning process, I guess. But yeah, ultimately I know that the team would have my best interests at heart. "And ultimately, I want to protect that because I can't have my own success without the team having success. So protecting that is a very important thing for me."
Pressed on whether he would take a harder line across the final eight races to cement the title, Piastri was unequivocal. "Not at the cost of future success. Definitely not."
How the Monza Flashpoint Unfolded
The flashpoint at Monza came amid a strategic shuffle designed to keep Piastri’s then-third place safe from Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. McLaren departed from its customary pit sequence, with Norris even suggesting on the radio that Piastri stop first—on the proviso he wouldn’t gain track position via the undercut.
Piastri pitted on Lap 45 and received the quickest tire change of the season at 1.9 seconds. Norris followed on Lap 46 but lost time with a 5.9-second service, dropping him behind Piastri when he rejoined.
As soon as McLaren’s pit wall asked Piastri to give the place back, the 23-year-old initially questioned whether a slow stop alone justified a swap.
"We said a slow pit stop was part of racing," Piastri said over team radio. "I don't really get what changed here ... But if you want me to do it, I'll do it."
When his race engineer Tom Stallard reiterated the instruction, Piastri complied—something he later said was never in doubt once the request was repeated.
"I think in the moment, obviously, I questioned it on the radio as racing drivers often do and as we get encouraged to do," Piastri explained. "But I think, for me, once I had the second request, for me at that point I'm always going to respect that call."
Championship Implications and Piastri’s Stance
The decision sparked debate about McLaren’s role in an intra-team title contest, especially given the championship stakes and the small points swing at play. Piastri, however, framed the episode as part of an evolving process as the team refines protocols for high-pressure scenarios late in races.
With eight rounds remaining, McLaren’s pace—and the tightrope of managing two title contenders—will stay under the microscope. Piastri’s stance is clear: he intends to fight for the crown without compromising the team dynamic he believes is essential to sustained success.
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