Lando Norris arrived at the Brazilian GP weekend expecting to reduce his deficit to Max Verstappen in the championship. However, Oscar Piastri had other plans as he claimed the Sprint pole during the qualifying session. Despite this, McLaren told him they would intervene during the Sprint race to let him get past his Aussie teammate, which the English team refused on multiple occasions during the Sprint.

This forced Norris to remind the team of the briefings they had post the Sprint qualifying session. After bagging the Sprint pole yesterday, Oscar Piastri glanced over the possible issues of team orders during the Sprint race. Subsequently, when the lights went out, the 23-year-old had an excellent getaway and remained ahead of Lando Norris through turn one.

This gave him a good grip on the victory as he had the crucial track position. On the other hand, Norris remained in close proximity to the Aussie. This agitated him as each point could do wonders for him in the driver’s championship.

In line with this, he made multiple radio calls to tell McLaren about the need for a driver swap. However, with the Brit receiving an unsatisfactory response from the team, he reminded McLaren of the briefings they had after the qualifying session. I thought we spoke about this.

Lando Norris said over the radioNorris: I thought we spoke about this. Team order request— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 2, 2024Despite the concerns of the 24-year-old, the Woking-based squad remained true to their word. They allowed the papaya cars to switch positions with a mere two laps to go as the threat of Max Verstappen was lurking in the background.

RELATEDChristian Horner defends ‘hard-skinned’ Max Verstappen over FIA fiascoLando Norris reflected on the team orders situationWhile Norris bemoaned about McLaren’s refusal to switch positions in the earlier phase of the Sprint, this attitude was quickly changed when the 23-year-old let past the senior teammate with a few laps to go. This sealed the victory for the Briton, who was able to put a decent dent into Verstappen’s lead. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)On the contrary, the championship antagonist claimed that he was not proud of the way he had to get the Sprint victory.

However, he confessed that he was doing what he had to do to achieve the bigger target. Oscar deserved it, but we are doing what we have to do. Great pace, so looking forward to the race tomorrow.

Lando Norris said in the post-Sprint interviewLando Norris: Not proud of it, but we worked well together as a team, but that’s why I thanked Oscar. Oscar deserved it, but we are doing what we have to do. Great pace, so looking forward to the race tomorrow.

— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 2, 2024RELATED“I’m not his teacher,” Lando Norris refuses to discuss on-track clashes with Max VerstappenOn the other hand, the Dutchman had been noted by the FIA for a Virtual Safety Car infringement. Thus, Norris’ afternoon could become a lot better if the reigning champion is penalized for the infringement.