Oscar Piastri’s dream of a podium finish at his home race was shattered. The Australian was even in contention for the win before his off-track excursion in lap forty-five, until McLaren issued a surprising team order. According to Piastri, the moment was just “a small part” of the bigger story, but the McLaren driver still wants to discuss it with his team.
After Oscar Piastri overtook Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in lap seventeen, it seemed for a moment that only Lando Norris stood in the way of a home victory for the Australian. Piastri was getting closer and closer to his teammate, but then received the order from McLaren to “maintain positions”. “I’m faster, but okay,” the driver responded.
When Piastri eventually did get permission to race against Norris, it was essentially too late for the home hero. A moment in turn six caused the Australian to fall two seconds behind race leader Norris. Ten laps later, Piastri went off the track, ending the dream of a podium finish altogether.
Piastri Seeks Explanation
According to the disappointed Australian, McLaren’s team order was just a “small moment” in Sunday’s race. “The race conditions were quite extreme,” Piastri defends his team’s decision. “At that point, we were encountering the backmarkers, and there was only one dry line. We also didn’t know if more rain was coming.”
Nevertheless, Piastri wants to discuss the incident with McLaren. “I will speak with the team and try to understand exactly what happened. But I think it’s clear that these kinds of team orders can go both ways,” Piastri seems to be warning his teammate in advance.
