Lando Norris’ decision to slow down in the closing laps of the 19-lap Sprint at the Lusail International Circuit, handing victory to teammate Oscar Piastri, was a demonstration of the McLaren duo’s strong team ethic. Norris, who had been leading the race, allowed Piastri to pass him before crossing the line in second, explaining that he made the decision after Piastri had previously gifted him the win in the Sao Paulo Sprint.
Piastri acknowledged his teammate’s gesture, noting that while it caught him off guard with George Russell just half a second behind, it reflected the unity and lack of egos within the McLaren team. He emphasized that the result didn’t impact their championship standings but served as another example of their commitment to working together for the benefit of the team.
This teamwork has been evident throughout the 2024 season. During Piastri’s first-ever GP victory in Hungary, Norris obeyed team orders to let him retain the lead after a pit stop strategy shifted the positions. Similarly, in Baku, Norris strategically held up Sergio Perez to prevent him from undercutting Piastri, allowing the Australian to secure a second win in Azerbaijan.
Piastri reflected on the broader importance of their partnership, especially amid external criticism of McLaren’s racing strategies. He stressed that, for both of them, the team’s success is always the priority. The drivers’ willingness to help each other—whether it’s through strategic positioning or sacrificing personal results—strengthens McLaren’s culture. Piastri believes this cooperative spirit not only benefits their performance but also serves as an example to the rest of the team, highlighting that McLaren’s success relies on the collective effort of everyone involved, from the drivers to the entire workforce behind the scenes.
