Liuzzi Urges Norris & Piastri to Study Verstappen's 'War Machine' Overtaking

FIA steward Vitantonio Liuzzi has identified Max Verstappen's mastery of positioning as a critical skill that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri must study. Liuzzi suggests that Verstappen’s ability to manipulate race situations and stay on the edge of regulations sets him apart from his rivals.

Why it matters:

As the grid tightens, marginal gains in wheel-to-wheel combat define results. Understanding how to pressure opponents and position a car to gain advantage without drawing a penalty is a sophisticated art. Liuzzi’s insight offers a roadmap for McLaren’s drivers on closing the gap to the champion.

The details:

• Strategic Positioning: Liuzzi noted that Verstappen constantly puts rivals in trouble, turning every situation to his favor. He emphasized that during overtakes, Max thinks ahead about how to position the car to avoid losing an advantage.
• The Brazil Example: Reflecting on the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix, Liuzzi argued that Piastri could have positioned himself better on the first corner, suggesting Verstappen’s approach would have yielded a better outcome.
• Steward's Challenge: Liuzzi called Verstappen a "war machine" who makes officiating difficult. Max consistently operates on the "borderline of legality," positioning his car in ways that are uncomfortable for stewards to evaluate, unlike other drivers who are clearer to judge.

Looking ahead:

While Verstappen remains relaxed about the 2026 regulation changes, his rivals are playing catch-up. For Norris and Piastri, dethroning the champion requires mastering the psychological and tactical nuances of wheel-to-wheel warfare that Verstappen has perfected.