Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen dominated the 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, securing victory by nearly 20 seconds over McLaren’s Lando Norris. However, the race was overshadowed by McLaren’s controversial team orders, instructing Oscar Piastri to cede second place to Norris after a slow pit stop, prompting varied global media reactions.
Verstappen’s Commanding Performance
Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, delivered a flawless performance, claiming his third win of the season and setting a record for the fastest grand prix in F1 history. Despite briefly losing the lead after cutting the chicane, he swiftly regained it from Norris and pulled away.
“It was a great day for us. After the first lap, we were flying,” Verstappen said.
Red Bull’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, credited the team’s 1,500-strong workforce in Milton Keynes for the success, downplaying his own role.

McLaren’s Controversial Team Orders
McLaren stirred controversy by ordering Piastri to let Norris reclaim second place on lap 49 after a 5.9-second pit stop delay cost Norris his position. The decision aimed to honor a “no undercut” promise to Norris, who is locked in a tight championship battle with Piastri.
Piastri complied but expressed frustration over team radio: “We said a slow pit stop was part of racing, so I don’t understand what changed.”
The call sparked debate, as both McLaren drivers are chasing their maiden F1 titles. Norris now leads Piastri by 31 points, a gap that could have been 37 without the team orders.
Global Media Reactions
International media offered diverse perspectives on the controversy:
- The Times (UK): Highlighted the Monza crowd booing Norris on the podium, reflecting discontent with McLaren’s decision.
- Herald Sun (Australia): Claimed Piastri was “dudded” by McLaren, losing a chance to extend his championship lead.
- La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): Noted Verstappen’s amused reaction over team radio: “Ha ha ha, just for a slow stop?”
- El País (Spain): Praised Verstappen’s “monstrous” victory, unaffected by McLaren’s pit stop chaos.
- L’Equipe (France): Focused on the warm reception for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, despite their fourth and sixth-place finishes.
- De Telegraaf (Netherlands): Commended Laurent Mekies’ humility in attributing Red Bull’s win to the team’s collective effort.
Implications and Future Outlook
The controversy is set to dominate discussions ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Norris and Piastri continuing their championship rivalry. Verstappen, meanwhile, strengthened his title lead with a commanding performance.
McLaren faces the challenge of balancing team dynamics and individual ambitions. Future team orders could further impact team harmony and fan perceptions.
The 2025 Italian Grand Prix showcased Max Verstappen’s dominance and sparked controversy over McLaren’s team orders. As Red Bull celebrates, McLaren must navigate the fallout. For more updates, visit Sportrik.



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