Stella: It wasn't done with bad intentions; Norris accepted responsibility right away.

      Is the time approaching for team orders at McLaren?

      A former Formula 1 driver has suggested that a driver hierarchy is imminent at McLaren. Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko told Servus TV that Lando Norris’ errors during qualifying and the race in Canada, particularly his collision with championship-leading teammate Oscar Piastri, provide the team with "hope." "He (Norris) messed up again," Marko remarked, acknowledging McLaren’s otherwise dominant performance faltered that weekend.

      After the crash with Piastri and a subsequent DNF, Norris, now 22 points behind in the championship, referred to himself as "stupid" over the radio. "When I embarrass myself like this and let the team down, I can only feel regret," the Brit said to the Spanish broadcaster DAZN. "I’ll go around apologizing to everyone, then try to rest and forget all about it."

      Despite numerous analysts suggesting for weeks that McLaren should favor a single ‘number 1’ driver, the team has maintained its commitment to equality. However, team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that Norris’ actions on Sunday were "not acceptable." He added, "But it wasn’t intentional, and Lando quickly accepted responsibility. We still need to discuss this, but our principles remain intact."

      Interestingly, Stella had also lightly criticized Norris after qualifying, suggesting the 25-year-old had "overdriven the car" by pushing too hard on late braking. Regarding the crash, the Italian took a more measured stance. "It was never a question of if, but when it would happen," Stella commented. "It’s clear that we at McLaren don’t want that, but if Lando’s reaction had been different, serious discussions would have been necessary. But I think he quickly realized he miscalculated, creating a problem for himself, the team, and almost for Oscar."

      2016 world champion Nico Rosberg stated, "This is the first time I can confidently say that Piastri is the clear favorite for the world championship. He’s incredibly consistent, while Norris keeps making mistakes. After the past two years, it’s surprising, but Piastri is currently the favorite. With the pressure in this new situation, he’s simply performing well."

      Former F1 driver Timo Glock also believes McLaren should reconsider its driver equality stance in 2025, saying, "The danger zone will arise eventually, since (Max) Verstappen is always there, accumulating points. (George) Russell consistently scores points too. McLaren must learn from last year. At some point, team orders will have to be implemented, and Norris took a significant step toward that today."

      Stella, however, contended that the events in Canada do not alter their approach. "Of course, we can enforce team orders from the pit wall," he noted. "But that would create artificial racing, which we want to avoid. We aim to give both drivers the opportunity to compete against each other for positions. Lando will learn from today," the McLaren leader added.

      Interestingly, the composed and steady championship leader Piastri fully concurs. "I think it was a fair and tough battle over several corners, and it’s unfortunate it ended the way it did," the Australian told DAZN. "I believe we shouldn’t change anything. We’re contesting for a championship – and it was fair."

      Regarding McLaren’s lackluster weekend in Montreal, the 24-year-old remarked, "It wasn’t an overall good weekend. There’s a lot to analyze, but I’m definitely taking the points. Not every weekend will be great. We did a decent job, but there are aspects to evaluate."