International media see McLaren 'embarrassed' by strategy mistake

F1 News

How international media reacted to McLaren's team orders Hungarian GP
22 July at 09:00
Last update 22 July at 09:42
  • Toby Nixon

The dust has just settled after a controversial Hungarian Grand Prix. A race that should've been celebrated as Oscar Piastri's first win in Formula 1 was tainted by McLaren's late team orders decision. Memorably, Norris slowed down to allow his teammate to pass in the closing stages. This is what international media thought of the debatable moment. 

Bild: 'Peace secured'

German newspaper Bild believes McLaren made a mistake when the papaya team decided to service Norris in the pits first. "McLaren asks for a stop – first Piastri, then Norris. And suddenly Norris is in front of the Australian. Oops, was that what they wanted? The radio says that the two drivers need to swap places back. Peace in the team was eventually secured – and so the victory was Oscar Piastri's, who stood at the top of the podium for the first time."

L'equipe: 'McLaren embarrassed'

"Team orders are sometimes difficult to accept, but they must be respected. Lando Norris, who is very fast at the wheel of his ever-powerful McLaren, may regret it, but Oscar Piastri can be pleased." The French outlet thinks Norris was correct to give Piastri the position, but highlights McLaren's blunder. "Embarrassed by the situation, and aware that the one-two was assured, the British team wanted to put things back in order. Norris was opposed for a long time to the idea of ​​finishing second before narrowly giving up. The debrief risks being tense at McLaren."

Marca: Norris forgot 'McLaren family members'

Spanish sports paper Marca said that the one-two was tainted by poor decision-making. They also suggested that when a win is on the cards, it is extremely hard to not be selfish. "The final image of the 1-2 is blurred, but Lando did the right thing by braking at the end to hand the victory to his teammate. It is clear that among teammates, even the best when a win is at stake, you forget who your family members are. As it should be on the other hand. Oscar and Lando are tied for victories this year and in F1."

Gazzetta: 'Degree of suspense'

Italian outlet Gazzetta commented on McLaren's 'non-linear' management of the pitstops. Despite his frustration, the Brit took the decision 'sportingly'. "Norris' second undercut (early stop) on Piastri, lap 47 against the 48th involved the two McLarens taking turns at the top, with the commitment of the pit wall "to then manage the situation". The instructions would be respected with just 3 laps to go. After many radio messages and a degree of suspense, Norris spectacularly lets Piastri pass on the straight, honouring the pact."