McLaren Team Orders Spark Controversy as Norris Benefits and Verstappen Claims Victory at Italy GP

The Italian Grand Prix delivered yet another thrilling chapter in Formula 1’s 2025 season, but the spotlight has turned away from the winner, Max Verstappen, and onto McLaren’s use of controversial team orders that left fans and pundits divided.

Red Bull’s Verstappen once again demonstrated his dominance, managing the race with precision and sealing a commanding victory at Monza. Yet, while the Dutchman celebrated atop the podium, the focus shifted to McLaren, where decisions made over team radio appeared to alter the outcome further down the order.

Lando Norris was the clear beneficiary of the team’s strategy, with McLaren instructing teammate Oscar Piastri to hold position and protect Norris’s track advantage in the closing stages. The move ensured Norris secured vital points in his championship push, but it also left Piastri visibly frustrated and sparked immediate debate about whether McLaren had gone too far in favoring one driver over another.

Former drivers and analysts were quick to weigh in. Some argued that McLaren’s actions were justified in the context of the championship fight, pointing out that Norris remains their best chance of challenging for second in the standings. Others, however, labeled the call as unfair to Piastri, who had matched his teammate’s pace throughout the weekend and arguably deserved the chance to race freely.

Team principal Andrea Stella defended the decision, insisting it was made with the team’s long-term goals in mind:

“We operate as one unit, and today we made the call that best served McLaren’s interests in the championship. Both Lando and Oscar drove brilliantly, but sometimes we have to make tough choices.”

For Verstappen, the controversy did little to overshadow his own performance. The reigning champion extended his lead at the top of the standings, once again proving untouchable despite early pressure from Ferrari and McLaren. His latest triumph also further cements Red Bull’s grip on both championships as the season heads into its decisive final stretch.

But for McLaren, questions will linger. Will team orders damage harmony between Norris and Piastri? Or will their pragmatic approach ultimately pay off in the standings?

As the dust settles on Monza, one thing is clear: Verstappen may have claimed the winner’s trophy, but it is McLaren’s internal politics that will dominate the headlines heading into the next round.