Lando Norris Explains His Bold Decision to Let Piastri Win in Qatar Sprint
Lando Norris has recently revealed the reasoning behind his dramatic move to allow his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, to take victory in the Qatar Sprint. Norris, who had dominated the 19-lap race from pole position, made the surprising decision to give up his lead in the final corner, letting Piastri take the chequered flag ahead of him. While the team had explicitly advised against this move, Norris felt it was the right thing to do, citing a sense of fairness and team spirit.
Norris led for the majority of the Sprint but started to lose ground as the race neared its end. By the final lap, with Mercedes' George Russell closing in on Piastri, Norris chose to let his teammate through to secure the win. This move mirrored Piastri’s selfless gesture in the Sao Paulo Sprint, where he had allowed Norris to pass and aid his title pursuit. Norris later admitted that although the team had told him not to relinquish the position, he felt it was the best decision for the team’s overall objectives, especially with McLaren pushing for a strong finish in the constructors' championship.
Despite the team's hesitation, Norris explained that he wasn’t concerned about the risks involved. "It was probably a bit closer than I was wanting, but I’d planned to do it since Brazil," he said. "It’s probably a little bit sketchy, the team told me not to do it but I thought I could get away with it and we did. Honestly, I don’t mind. I’m not here to win Sprint races, I’m here to win races and a championship."
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Reflecting on his race performance, Norris mentioned that he felt he had some pace left in reserve but was focused on helping Piastri maintain the lead over Russell. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s one-two finish and the crucial points that would extend their lead over Ferrari in the battle for the constructors' title.
The 25-year-old also touched on the physical demands of the weekend, mentioning that the conditions in Qatar were extremely challenging. "My neck’s not too happy," Norris admitted. "It’s going to be a difficult race tomorrow. These conditions, these cold conditions, the wind—it’s a lot quicker than last year. It’s even more physical, which I didn’t think was possible."
Piastri, who secured his second Sprint win in Qatar, acknowledged the teamwork that played a vital role in his victory. "It was about defense for the whole race," he said, referring to his constant battle to keep Russell behind. Piastri struggled with tire management during the race but praised the help he received from Norris, which made the Sprint much less difficult than it could have been.
Looking ahead to the Grand Prix, Piastri also noted that the transition from qualifying to the race could be challenging, with grip levels expected to change significantly. He expressed confidence in McLaren's ability to improve their setup further and potentially challenge for pole position.
Both drivers’ performances highlighted McLaren’s strong teamwork, which not only secured a victory but also brought them closer to securing the constructors' title. With a 30-point lead over Ferrari, McLaren is in a strong position to clinch their first constructors' championship since 1998. The teamwork displayed by Norris and Piastri in Qatar was a testament to their dedication and strategic mindset, ensuring they are fully focused on the bigger prize: the championship.
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