Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his opinion on the controversial team order from McLaren in Monza. According to the British businessman, the racing team showed a clear preference with the instruction to Oscar Piastri to let Lando Norris pass. ‘McLaren keeps talking about fairness. But was it fair to Piastri?’, Ecclestone wonders.
The day after the Italian GP, the controversial team order from McLaren in the final stages of the race is still a hot topic. The British team decided to instruct Oscar Piastri to let Lando Norris pass, after the Brit ended up in third place behind the Australian due to a slow pit stop earlier in the race. Thanks to the swap, Norris eventually finished second, gaining three championship points on the Australian.
Both drivers spoke of a ‘fair’ order from the team after the race, but former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has his doubts. “They keep talking about fairness. But is it fair to Piastri if he is punished for a team mistake? No,” Ecclestone clearly states to Blick.
Preference for Norris?
According to the 94-year-old Brit, McLaren showed a preference in the title fight with the team order. “You gradually get the feeling that McLaren would rather have a world champion named Lando Norris,” Ecclestone continues. “Mistakes such as missed pit stops, engine damage or broken suspensions are less common, but they are part of the sport.”
