Why didn't McLaren intervene over pilots in the Formula 1 race from Imola?

Ashley Davis19/05/2025

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Article by Daniel Grigore – published on Sunday, May 18, 2025 20:34 / Updated Sunday, May 18, 2025 20:34

The head of the McLaren team, Andrea Stella, explained why the British team did not impose team order during The Great Prize of Formula 1 of Emilia-Romagnawon by Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing).

In the last sequences of the race from Imola, Lando Norris was behind the teammate Oscar Piastri during the Safety Car, but had much fresher tires than the Australian. Norris suggested by the radio that it would be better for McLaren to be allowed to pass immediately after Restart, to try to attack Max Verstappen, who also had fresh tires.

However, McLaren chose not to impose team orders, and Norris had to overcome the piles, instead of being allowed to pass without opposition.

Lewis Hamilton took off his hat after the result of Ferrari today:

Why didn't McLaren intervene over pilots in the Imola race?

That cost a few tours on the British, who no longer had the time to try an attack on the race leader. Verstappen passed the finish line first, 6.1 seconds earlier than Norris.

After the race, the head of McLaren, Andrea Stella, explained to the Sky Sports F1 why the team decided not to impose orders and let their pilots fight freely. He stated, according to Sportal.bg:

It was certainly a difficult situation. We wanted to give Oscar the chance to attack the restart. Therefore, I accepted the principle that if Lando would fight with Max, he should be able to overcome the Oscar quite easily, considering how used the Oscar's tires. In fact, if the difference in rhythm had been sufficient, things would have resolved by themselves.

We are satisfied with the way things were held. Both pilots are satisfied and I think everything was right, so we want to compete.