"Lando Norris just slowed down to drag his teammate around for 19 laps, and then gave him the win": Fans react to the McLaren driver swap
Lando Norris led the Qatar GP Sprint for its entirety before handing the win to his teammate Oscar Piastri. His actions confused many including the F1TV commentators. The F1 community has now come out and reacted to the Briton's move to give the win to his teammate.
Both Norris and Piastri got excellent starts off the line with the former maintaining the lead and the latter getting up to P2 after overtaking George Russell. However, the Mercedes looked quick and threatened to overtake Piastri. Norris intentionally slowed down from the lead and gave Piastri DRS to defend from the Mercedes.
The Aussie was able to fend off the threat and secured a 1-2 finish for McLaren. But to everyone’s surprise, Norris backed off on the last lap while coming out of the last corner and gave the win to Piastri. This was in return for him conceding position to the #4 driver in Brazil when the championship fight was still alive.
Fans came out and hailed Lando Norris for his gesture, supporting him for playing the team game.
“I NEVER want to hear another whine or cry from an Oscar fan or anyone else about Lando and team orders. Lando just slowed down to drag his teammate around for 19 laps and then gave him the win. Today he showed he’s a bigger man than most,” wrote a fan.
"what an end!! just another example of how much Lando cares about his team and his teammate," mentioned a user on X.
Another fan wrote, "What a noble move!"
Norris and Piastri had a controversial team orders moment at the 2024 Hungarian GP for the race win. Soon after, as the championship fight got serious, McLaren had an internal discussion and asked Piastri to play the team game by helping Norris in every possible situation.
“Gave him DRS all race to help him from Russell and gave him the win at the last minute. That’s my driver,” wrote another fan.
“This bromance is giving strategy goals,” wrote another.
“This is a 200IQ move by Lando Norris, he’ll be fighting for the championship next season and will need Oscar Piastri by his side,” mentioned another user.
The Briton gave something back to Piastri in the form of a sprint win for all the support and help that the Aussie provided throughout the 2024 season. While there were some low moments like the Hungarian GP, ending the season on the right foot could help Norris in 2025.
Zak Brown on Lando Norris’ move to give Oscar Piastri the Qatar Sprint win
When Lando Norris initially let Oscar Piastri through, many thought it was McLaren with the team orders. However, Zak Brown came out and said that Norris decided to swap on his own. The drivers were instructed to finish 1-2 by the team but weren't asked to swap positions.
McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown hailed Norris' move as he posted on X, “1-2 in the #F1Sprint! Classy move from Lando to return the favor and give Oscar the Sprint win! Excellent teamwork throughout to hold off Russell too. We're showing great pace ahead of Quali. Let's keep it up!”
Zak Brown also said (via F1TV):
“Lando and Oscar have been great teammates, and I think it just showed how much they are helping each other. And, ultimately, racing for the team. I think Oscar helped Lando out a little bit in Brazil, and I think Lando said 'Thank you!'”
Lando Norris later spoke with Sky Sports F1 and suggested that he had planned on doing it ever since the Brazil GP.