Spotlight on Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri team orders as McLaren chases title

McLaren arrives in Baku this weekend on the brink of back-to-back Constructors’ Championships. With 12 wins from 16 races this season and seven 1-2 finishes, their dominance is unquestioned. 

Yet, despite holding a commanding lead of more than 300 points over Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, much of the focus has shifted to how the team will manage its two drivers as the Drivers’ Championship battle intensifies.

Oscar Piastri leads teammate Lando Norris by just 31 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The margin is slim enough that the balance between team orders and driver freedom has become one of the defining storylines of the campaign.

That debate flared again in Monza last time out. There, McLaren issued the controversial instruction for Piastri to yield second place to Norris after a slow pit stop cost the Briton track position, despite Norris having led much of the race. 

The decision reduced Piastri’s advantage in the standings and raised questions about whether McLaren was making fair calls. Piastri voiced his frustration on team radio but ultimately complied. 

Internal talks and a clear plan set ahead of Baku

Both drivers and the team have since confirmed that “internal talks” have clarified how they will race one another in the remaining rounds.

Team principal Andrea Stella has insisted McLaren’s approach will not change, even with the Constructors’ crown almost secure. 

"The approach to the drivers' title will not change, this is not dependent on the constructors'," he said. "The way we go racing is dependent on the racing principles, on the value that we embody as McLaren Racing and also it's a reflection of the fact that we want to protect the unity of the team.”

Practice in Baku has already added to the intrigue. Norris topped the timesheets in FP1, while a power unit issue hampered Piastri. In FP2, both drivers brushed the barriers in a dramatic session that highlighted the risks of the street circuit.