'Because Of A Slow Stop?' McLaren’s Team Orders Spark Debate After Pit Stop Drama

Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 12:14 IST

McLaren ordered Piastri to let Norris retake position after a pit stop issue, sparking debate on fairness.

(Credit: AP)

McLaren’s strategy and sense of fairness were under the spotlight on Sunday after Oscar Piastri was ordered to hand back a position to Lando Norris following a dramatic pit stop sequence.

McLaren opted to delay bringing both drivers in for fresh tyres, with Piastri stopping first. His crew executed a lightning-fast 1.9-second pit stop, one of the quickest of the season.

But when Norris pitted a lap later, a wheel gun issue left him stationary for nearly six seconds. The delay allowed Piastri, who had trailed his teammate throughout the race, to rejoin ahead of the Briton.

McLaren quickly intervened, instructing Piastri to let Norris retake the position.

The decision referenced the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris had given back the lead after gaining track position through an undercut on Piastri.

Piastri initially pushed back over team radio.

“We said that a slow pit stop was part of racing," he protested. “So I don’t really get what changed here. But I’ll do it."

Despite his frustration, Piastri eventually complied, moving aside after a second request from the pit wall.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen was amused when told of McLaren’s swap.

“Hah," he laughed. “Just because they had a slow stop?"

But McLaren, currently chasing both the Constructors’ Championship and a maiden world title for Norris, are prioritising stability over fireworks.

Reactions from Drivers

After the race, Piastri admitted his stance softened once the adrenaline wore off.

“It’s something that we’ll discuss. We have discussed it before. Today was a fair request. Lando qualified ahead, was ahead the whole race, and lost that spot through no fault of his own. I said what I had to say on the radio. And once I got the second request, then I’m not going to go against the team."

Norris defended McLaren’s call, highlighting the team’s culture of fairness.

“If it was the other way around, I would have had to do it. It proves we’re a fair team, it’s why we’re the best team. Just because others haven’t done that doesn’t mean they’re right. As a team, we believe in our own ways, we do it our own way."

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports 'Because Of A Slow Stop?' McLaren’s Team Orders Spark Debate After Pit Stop Drama

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