Shocking Moment: Norris under fire from Herbert over…………read more.
The Hungarian Grand Prix has left a sour taste in the mouths of Formula 1 fans, with a heated controversy surrounding McLaren’s Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri. The incident has sparked a debate about team orders, with former F1 driver Johnny Herbert telling Norris to “keep his mouth shut” and focus on driving.
During the race, Norris was instructed by his team to let Piastri pass, but he initially refused, citing his own competitive position. The situation escalated, with Norris eventually relenting and allowing Piastri to overtake. The incident has raised questions about the role of team orders in Formula 1 and the balance between individual driver ambition and team strategy.
Herbert, a former F1 driver and current Sky Sports pundit, weighed in on the controversy, advising Norris to focus on his driving and avoid speaking out about team orders. “Lando needs to keep his mouth shut and just drive,” Herbert said. “He’s a talented driver, but sometimes he needs to just focus on his own race and not worry about what’s going on around him.”
Despite the controversy, Norris has committed his long-term future to McLaren by signing an “extended multi-year” contract with the team. The deal is a significant boost for McLaren, who have struggled to match the pace of top teams in recent seasons.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella explained that the team discusses scenarios like these before each race, and that helped with the drivers’ decision-making during the Hungarian Grand Prix. “We have a clear understanding of what we’re trying to achieve as a team,” Stella said. “Our drivers know what’s expected of them, and we work together to achieve our goals.”
The incident has sparked a wider debate about team orders in Formula 1, with some arguing that they undermine the sport’s competitive integrity. Others argue that team orders are a necessary evil, allowing teams to maximize their points haul and achieve their strategic objectives.
As the controversy continues to simmer, Norris and McLaren will be looking to put the incident behind them and focus on the upcoming races. With Norris’ new contract in place, the team will be hoping to push for more podiums and challenge the top teams in the championship.
