Nico Rosberg says McLaren are heading for some “difficult” conversations after an awkward team order overshadowed their Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
McLaren had to settle for second and third as Max Verstappen stormed to a dominant, record-breaking win for Red Bull.
But late drama unfolded when a botched pit stop dropped Lando Norris behind teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri — despite Norris having run second all race long.
McLaren swiftly instructed Piastri to hand the place back, a call that left the Australian puzzled but obedient. Moments later, the drivers were told they were “free to race” to the flag.
Even Verstappen, on his cool-down lap, questioned McLaren’s call after learning what had happened.
2016 world champion and Sky Sports F1 pundit Rosberg says this one won’t be brushed under the carpet:
“Max had the view of Oscar that pit stop times are part of racing and what comes around, comes around,” Rosberg said.
“It’s a really difficult one internally and that will require some talks because I don’t think Oscar will be happy with that. From the outside, you think OK, that’s the only way to do it fair because Lando deserved second place because he did a much better weekend, but it’s not so straight cut.”
Do McLaren put themselves in ‘awkward positions’?
Fellow pundit and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick argued McLaren had no choice but to act, drawing comparisons to last year’s Hungarian GP team order row.
“I think from the team’s point of view, they had to make the call to do that because they messed up the pit stop for Lando, he’s been quicker all weekend,” Chadwick said.
“It was in Oscar’s hands as to whether he wanted to give the position back. He did and didn’t even really speak about it after the race. I think it was the right decision.”
“I think if you look back to Hungary last year they do put themselves in these awkward positions and it is credit to the drivers that they react the way that they do. The harmony in that team seems to be very good despite the fact they are going head-to-head for the world championship.”
