BAKU, Sept 13 V7N - Lando Norris emphasized that he does not expect his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, to hand over race wins despite the team's decision to back Norris in the Formula One title race against Max Verstappen. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, mentioned before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that they intend to support Norris while maintaining fairness between the drivers. However, Norris clarified that the focus is more on scenarios where they are fighting for lower positions, and not necessarily if both are running first and second in a race.

Norris stressed that if Piastri outperforms him in a race, he deserves to win, noting that his teammate is fighting for his own race results. Norris, currently second in the drivers' standings behind Verstappen by 62 points, acknowledged the importance of racing on merit and stated he would not want to win a championship by having a teammate gift him points.

Piastri, on his part, recognized the need for team orders at this stage of the season as McLaren is chasing both the drivers' and constructors' titles. While admitting that such orders are "not that fun," Piastri expressed his willingness to play a supporting role for the team's greater goals. However, he also clarified that this doesn't mean he will simply move aside for Norris in every race.

Stella added that while McLaren prioritizes the team’s interest, they value sportsmanship and fairness between both drivers. He also pointed to the importance of avoiding a situation like the Monza race, where Piastri overtook Norris and ultimately allowed Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to seize second place, with Norris finishing behind on strategy.

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