The blunt McLaren radio messages that flipped P2 at Italian GP

Team radio captured McLaren’s awkward orders as Norris reclaimed P2 from Piastri after a slow pitstop, with Verstappen and Lambiase chiming in

Max Verstappen won the 2025 Italian Grand Prix after starting from pole, but McLaren was a strong force behind the Red Bull. However, towards the end of the race, team orders between the papaya-coloured drivers added a sour taste to what was an impressive race from the two.

With just seven laps remaining, Lando Norris suffered a slow 5.9-second pitstop due to issues with the front wheel not tightening properly. This delay allowed Oscar Piastri, after pitting a lap earlier, to undercut his team-mate - something the team hadn't planned.

The Woking outfit immediately instructed the drivers to swap positions, promoting Norris to second place behind race leader Max Verstappen. Cue references to last year's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Piastri responded with frustration over the radio, but quickly made the swap. "I mean, we said that a slow pitstop was part of racing, so I don't really get what's changed here," the Australian said. At the race end, he reflected briefly on the race: "A bit of a tough one. Once the rear calmed down a bit then it was all right. Bit lively through the race. Thanks for the effort. Not the easiest of weekends. Yeah."

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Norris was silent after his race engineer Will Joseph apologised over the team radio.

"Lando, apologies for the pitstop," he said, with no response returning from his British driver.

Verstappen was quick to comment on the incident as his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase gave him an update.

"Ha! Just because he had a slow stop?" Verstappen responded, before Lambiase advised: "It's not our business, but I guess it keeps it fair between the drivers in terms of the championship. You focus on the road ahead please."

Talking after the race, Norris commented on the orders.

"No idea [with the pitstop]. I felt like I was there quite a long time. Every now and then we make mistakes as a team and today was one of them.

"I did everything I could today. I couldn't do a lot more. I tried to fight against Max. We had a good race and he came out on top."