Damned if they do. Damned if they don’t. After weeks of missed opportunities and subsequent scrutiny into how it fluffed their lines, McLaren finally did it.
Its 1-2 in the Hungarian Grand Prix should have been the crowning moment to show its opponents and critics alike it is back at the top.
It would have been entirely justified. Brilliantly quick, seemingly at every track and in every weather conditions, under the excellent stewardship of Andrea Stella, the team looks the real deal.
Yes, Piastri’s first victory in F1 will be applauded. As too should the fact the team recorded its first maximum points finish since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix when Lando Norris was again second behind an Australian driver, on that occasion it was Daniel Ricciardo.
But the closing laps of the race around the Hungaroring have raised some questions that require urgent attention at its MTC headquarters. Tackling them head on is the only way it can truly make progress.
At the centre, it must analyse the behaviour of Norris and his race engineer Will Joseph. Norris, who had started on pole before dropping behind his McLaren team-mate on the opening lap, was promoted to the lead as he undercut Piastri in the pitstops. Norris stopped on lap 45 while Piastri was called in on lap 47 and returned to the track behind the Brit.
Watch: Piastri Takes The Win in Tension Filled F1 Hungarian Grand Prix – Race Reaction
The McLaren pitwall issued Norris with an instruction to switch positions with Piastri when he had an opportunity. Only Norris was defiant and hit back on the radio with a rebuttal saying he would only swap once Piastri caught him up, and subsequently sped up.
As the laps ticked down, the messages between Norris and Joseph become increasingly toe-curling, as the latter pleaded to his driver. There is even a hint of emotional blackmail.
“Okay Lando, 10 laps to go,” said Joseph. “Just remember every Sunday morning meeting we have.” This is in relation to the pre-race strategy meeting where the drivers go through each eventuality with the team.
But then things became even more desperate. “Lando, he can’t catch you up,” said Joseph. “You’ve proved your point and it really doesn’t matter.” Norris hit back with: “He’s on much quicker tyres. I mean, I would have tried to undercut anyway, if I didn’t I would have gotten…” Joseph replied: “I’m trying to protect you, mate. I’m trying to protect you… Lando there are five laps to go. The way to win…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Autosport.com – Formula 1 – Stories…