McLaren Set to Review Piastri-Norris Overtake at Italian GP.
McLaren team bosses Zak Brown and Andrea Stella have announced that they
will review Oscar Piastri’s overtaking maneuver on Lando Norris during the
Italian Grand Prix. This decision follows intense scrutiny of the incident,
which has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
The thrilling overtake occurred on Lap 42 of the race, as Piastri, driving the 81
car, attempted to pass his teammate Norris, who was in the 4 car. The move,
executed at high speed through the Variante Ascari chicane, saw Piastri slip
past Norris on the inside line. While the maneuver was completed without
immediate incident, its legality and the safety implications of the move have
been called into question.
Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, expressed his commitment to thoroughly
investigating the incident. “We have always prioritized the safety of our
drivers and the integrity of our racing. It’s essential for us to review this
overtake to ensure that all protocols and regulations were adhered to,” Brown
said. He emphasized that the review would be conducted with an objective
perspective, aiming to uphold the team’s standards while respecting the
competitive spirit of the sport.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Racing Director, echoed Brown’s sentiments, adding
that the team wanted to ensure that all factors—such as the positioning of
both cars and the timing of the move—were carefully analyzed. “It’s crucial to
examine every aspect of this overtaking maneuver, not just for this specific
instance but to reinforce our understanding of safe racing practices,” Stella
commented.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, not only from McLaren’s
internal team but also from the broader F1 community. Some observers have
suggested that Piastri’s move could be deemed aggressive, potentially
impacting the perception of intra-team dynamics and race conduct.
The review will involve a detailed examination of telemetry data, onboard
footage, and driver testimonies. While the investigation is ongoing, both
Piastri and Norris have downplayed any potential friction, focusing instead on
their performance and the upcoming races.
