Piastri admits team order request at British GP wasn’t fair to Norris

Oscar Piastri acknowledges his request for position swap with his teammate was inappropriate after receiving a 10-second penalty at the British GP — a penalty that cost him his first Formula 1 victory.

The McLaren driver was penalized for sudden braking on Hangar Straight when the safety car was about to enter the pits. The incident nearly caused a collision with Max Verstappen who was behind him.

“I don’t think the penalty before was very fair. I know it’s a big question, but if you don’t think it was fair either, I think we should swap back and race,” Piastri said over team radio.

After returning to the track behind Lando Norris, Piastri requested team orders but was denied by the team. The 24-year-old driver later admitted the team’s decision was correct — Norris did nothing wrong so it wouldn’t have been fair to swap positions.

Despite disappointment, Piastri remains focused on the championship. He also appreciated Nico Hulkenberg’s achievement of finally securing his first F1 podium after 15 years in the sport, with a unique LEGO trophy.