McLaren implements team orders at Australian GP to secure maximum results

McLaren made a controversial decision at the Australian Grand Prix by implementing team orders—asking Oscar Piastri to hold position behind teammate Lando Norris during the mid-race phase.

The incident occurred on lap 29 when track conditions were drying, and the team faced a complex situation with backmarkers ahead. Piastri, who showed superior pace, received the “hold position” command despite successfully closing the gap to Norris.

“Today’s race and the circumstances were pretty extreme. We were approaching backmarkers, with one dry line, not knowing if there was going to be rain to come. I’ll speak to the team and try and understand better what the thinking was,” Piastri stated after the race.

Team principal Andrea Stella defended the call, emphasizing that it aligned with McLaren’s racing principles established last season. Unlike Red Bull’s approach, which prioritizes a single lead driver, McLaren focuses on the team’s overall success rather than individual achievements.

While the decision created tension, McLaren’s situation management effectively secured maximum results at the Australian GP. Once the critical situation passed, the team maintained opportunities for both drivers to compete.