F1: Chequered Flag Chequered Flag Extra: McLaren Team Orders & Eyes To The Lights
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Sep 11, 2025 Rebecca Lee, the Head of single-seater operations and F1's permanent starter, joins the conversation to dive into the controversial team orders at McLaren. She shares insights from the race gantry, highlighting the meticulous processes behind lights control at race starts. The discussion also explores the competitive dynamics between McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, reflecting on the delicate balance of competition and collaboration. Fans' reactions and the implications of race strategy further enrich this engaging dialogue.
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Strategic Correction Not Clear-Cut Injustice
- The Monza McLaren swap felt dramatic but can be seen as correcting a strategic inversion caused by a faulty pit stop.
- Andrew Benson argues it's logically defensible even if it feels viscerally unfair to some fans.
Pit-Stop Order Used To Mitigate Undercut Risk
- McLaren claim they could control stopping order to manage undercut threats and risks from Leclerc.
- Andrew Benson explains the decision aimed to cover a possible undercut, not to penalise Norris.
Hungary Role-Flip Revisited
- Andrew Benson recalls Hungary where McLaren inverted drivers and trusted Norris to let Piastri back through.
- He notes Norris delayed longer than Piastri did when asked to swap back for a win.