During the pulsating Italian Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri found themselves running in second and third positions, briefly forming a 1-2 as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen pitted under a different strategy.

McLaren chose to pit Piastri on Lap 45 and Norris on Lap 46, but a slow pit stop for Norris saw him rejoin the track in third position, potentially costing him valuable points in the standings.

In a strategic call that echoed last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren swiftly asked Piastri to let Norris through, reminding the Australian of their agreement to let the fastest driver through.

“Let me start by saying that the decision we made today doesn’t have anything to do with what happened in the Netherlands – it’s completely independent of the DNF that the team caused for Lando,” Stella explained to F1 TV. “This is a completely separate situation and we take one race at a time.”

Stella clarified that their intention was never to swap positions during the pit stops, despite pitting Piastri first. Unfortunately, Norris’s slow pit stop complicated the plan, leading to a tactical decision to revert to their pre-pit stop positions.

“I’m sure Oscar will be very comfortable with this; he already was comfortable during the race,” Stella shared. “We showed again the values and the principles we have at McLaren.”

When asked about the Hungaroring reference, Stella underscored McLaren’s commitment to their racing principles, adding, “Of course, we had Hungary, but after Hungary we had so many conversations, so much alignment with each other as to how we go racing, so I don’t think we need to go so far back. I think we just stick and refer to the principles and the approach that we have in the way we go racing. I think it’s alright.”

• Norris managed to secure second position despite the late pit stop issues.
• Piastri’s championship lead was reduced from 34 points to 31.
• McLaren demonstrated their commitment to fair play and team principles.