This was certainly the case when Max Verstappen started from pole position and dominated the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This victory was a 66th win of his storied career. The Red Bull Racing driver’s 8 consecutive wins set a record of dominance in Formula 1 racing. He took the average speed to 250.706 kph, the quickest speed ever recorded. And so it was that Verstappen crossed the finish line a mind-boggling 19.2 seconds clear of his nearest pursuer, Lando Norris, who finished second.
While there were many controversial moments throughout the race, duty was particularly calling for McLaren. In the final laps of the race, Oscar Piastri became the first rookie to finish in third place. His crew ordered him to allow Lando Norris to move ahead. Unsurprisingly, this decision led to jubilation and dismay on opposite sides. Piastri had an opportunity to build his advantage in the championship order, heading into this unfortunate turn of events.
Norris’s race was severely affected by a slow pit-stop due to a wheelgun error, losing him almost six seconds. Even with that missed opportunity, he battled his way back into the title picture. Due to team orders, he finished in front of Piastri. Had Piastri been able to keep his position, he would have been champion standings leader by 37 points. Instead, Norris cut that lead down to a mere 31 points.
Charles Leclerc and George Russell ended the race on a strong note with finishes of fourth and fifth. Lewis Hamilton came home sixth in what became one of the craziest and most competitive races of the season.
Fresh from winning the race, Piastri commented on the team order.
“I think today was a fair request.” – Oscar Piastri
Norris agreed, saying much of the same about the situation leading up to his pit-stop.
“We said that a slow pit-stop was part of racing, so I don’t really get what changed here — but I will do it.” – Oscar Piastri
The decision to issue team orders has sparked discussion within the racing community about its implications for driver autonomy and competitive integrity. Yet Toto Wolff, team principal at Mercedes, succeeded in creating uncertainty over the reliability of this strategy.
“If I came flat-out into my box and hit all my mechanics out of the way, I also don’t expect to get the position back, but today was out of my control.” – Lando Norris
The decision to issue team orders has sparked discussion within the racing community about its implications for driver autonomy and competitive integrity. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, raised questions about the reliability of team strategies.
“What if the team does another mistake and it’s not a pit stop. Do you switch them around?” – Toto Wolff
