At the 2023 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, McLaren once again found itself at the center of a strategic debate: when, and whether, to deploy team orders between its two exciting young drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With the team consistently fighting toward the front of the midfield—and sometimes even mixing it with the leaders—these calls are no longer hypothetical. Each point counts tremendously as McLaren seeks to consolidate its resurgence.
The drama unfolded during the latter stages of the race as both drivers, locked in a fierce battle for position, were in close quarters after their final pit stops. There was widespread anticipation among F1 fans and pundits alike: would McLaren instruct one driver to yield to the other, in pursuit of the best team result? Team Principal Andrea Stella subsequently shed light on the thinking that guided McLaren's approach at Monza, laying out a nuanced and pragmatic philosophy that intriguingly balances sporting fairness with tactical growth within the team.
Stella, well-versed in the complexities of F1 management, emphasized that decisions regarding team orders are never taken lightly at McLaren. The ethos, according to him, is predicated on allowing both Norris and Piastri to race, unless there is significant justification—such as diverging strategies or unforeseen circumstances—that could result in a clear advantage for the team as a whole. When Piastri, on fresher tyres and with seemingly more pace, found himself behind Norris, the McLaren pit wall considered the merits and risks of requesting a position swap.
Stella’s insights provided fans with a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the calculations underpinning such decisions. Not only are the immediate championship points on the line, but so too is the vital morale and trust between team and drivers. McLaren’s stance is clear: both candidates must earn their positions on merit, except in circumstances where team intervention is absolutely and unquestionably beneficial for the final result. This has been the blueprint not only for Monza but all season long, fostering a competitive spirit within the garage that pushes Norris and the rookie Piastri to dig deep on every lap.
The post-race reaction among the two drivers further reinforces the efficacy of this approach. Norris, fast emerging as a leader within McLaren, highlighted his respect for the team’s consistency, even when emotions run high in the cockpit. Meanwhile, Piastri’s rapid adaptation to F1’s intensity and his understanding of long-term team strategy suggests that his partnership with Norris could be a cornerstone of McLaren’s future plans. Such maturity from the Australian rookie did not go unnoticed; he was praised for his professionalism and composure under pressure.
While some teams have been quick in the past to favour established stars or “number one” drivers, McLaren’s current era points in a different direction. This policy is not only fostering intra-team harmony but also pushing both drivers to maximize their potential, with each confident that their hard work on track—and not backroom politics—will determine the pecking order on race day. This competitive equality could become McLaren’s secret weapon as the calendar moves to iconic venues like Singapore and Suzuka, where strategy and driver synergy are often decisive.
Moreover, Stella’s comments resonate in a season where the midfield has never been tighter, and McLaren’s incremental development gains are significant. The Monza race, and the ensuing strategic debate, demonstrated not just sporting courage but astute long-term planning—a sign that McLaren is not content with playing catch-up, but aims to shape its destiny among F1’s elite.
With a modern management philosophy, a revitalized technical department, and two highly motivated young stars at the wheel, McLaren is generating real optimism among fans hungry for a return to the glory days. The decisions made under the Italian sun show that this is a team thinking with both its head and its heart—and that could make all the difference in the relentless world of Formula 1.
