Lando Norris responds to Oscar Piastri team order concerns after denying home podium

Lando Norris has said his podium finish ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri would have been the result of the Australian Grand Prix anyway, and the team orders that facilitated it merely sped up the process.

Piastri had undercut Norris to overtake him after the first stints played out, with the home driver running in third place until McLaren asked him to move aside for his team-mate on fresher tyres, to try and catch the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc later on.

Lando Norris responds to question about Oscar Piastri team orders.

Norris was leading Piastri in the beginning of the race, but their positions switched after the first pit stops at Albert Park. The Ferrari drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, took the lead after Max Verstappen retired due to a rear brake issue. 

Piastri was able to move ahead of his teammate by pitting earlier and using the undercut strategy.

However, as Norris closed in on challenging Leclerc for second place towards the end of the race, McLaren instructed Piastri to make way for Norris to attempt the overtaking maneuver.   

Norris was unable to sustain a strong challenge against the Ferrari driver and ultimately settled for third place at the end of the race, while Piastri concluded his home race in fourth. 

Having been so tantalisingly close to a podium at a race not only in his home country but his home city, Norris was asked about the feeling of being the person to benefit from team orders while the home driver missed out from being among the top three at home.

Norris did not quite see it that way however, having already been ahead earlier in the race and saying he was “a lot quicker” than his team-mate, and the team orders enabled him to push on in his race.

He thanked Piastri for moving aside, acknowledged the importance of racing in front of home support but also explained his belief that the end result would likely have seen him in front of his younger colleague regardless.

“Norris stated that the feeling of being on the podium in front of his teammate’s home fans could be seen as ‘bittersweet,’ depending on one’s perspective.”   

“I was much faster and would have passed him regardless, but you don’t want to prolong the moment.”   

“The more time I spent behind him, the lower my chances became of catching up to Charles and staying ahead of him.”    “So, in my opinion, the outcome remained the same.  

He simplified my life and I believe he contributed positively to our team, for which I am very grateful.   We both have mutual respect for each other in such circumstances.”  

“I believe the outcome remained the same, but as a driver competing in front of your home fans, being on the podium is always desired.  

I wouldn’t diminish that achievement or the support Oscar has given to the team.   However, the final result remained unchanged regardless.”