Brundle points to Norris error in Piastri fight

Ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle has provided Lando Norris with some advice following the team order instructions from McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Norris moved to the lead of the race after McLaren called him into the pit lane before Piastri, who was at the head of the field before the final pit stops.

McLaren pleaded with Norris to let Piastri back through for position, with the former arguing his case for several laps before complying.

However, just three laps remained in the race after the swap, leaving Norris little time to launch an attack on his team-mate and attempt to re-take the lead.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Brundle highlighted Norris would have had a good opportunity to win if he had handed the position back earlier.

“They have frequently swapped the two drivers around in the past couple of seasons, and as they said to Lando on the radio, you'll need all of us if you want to be champion,” Brundle said.

“I wonder what Oscar would have done if the roles had been reversed. His manager Mark Webber was on the receiving end of the infamous Red Bull Multi-21 team orders in Malaysia 2013 when Sebastian Vettel ignored pre-race agreements and in-race instructions.

“What Lando should have done is let Oscar through immediately when requested, and then given himself the maximum opportunity to overtake, if he could, to take victory that way.”

Brundle conflicted by team order

Norris conceding the lead to Piastri allowed the Australian to secure his maiden grand prix victory in F1.

Having argued his case before following the team order, Norris' reluctance to let his team-mate is understood by Brundle. 

“One of the core clauses in any F1 contract is that you will follow team instructions at all times, and this is a long-standing problem given that in F1 you are employed and drive as a team, but you race, score points, and are measured as an individual,” Brundle said.

“Like Lando, I'm conflicted here. I managed a driver [David Coulthard], at McLaren funnily enough, who was absolutely duped into handing over a race victory, not that this was the case on Sunday. 

“I've also seen multiple champions who would have won the race and then handled the nuclear fallout afterwards, and who would have been secretly admired for that killer instinct in many quarters. 

“The compliant team player on one of Lando's shoulders won out over the selfish, competitive demon on his other.”