Verstappen: Piastri Should Reject McLaren Team Orders for Norris's F1 Title Bid

Max Verstappen believes Oscar Piastri should tell McLaren to "F off" if the team asks him to support Lando Norris in the Formula 1 world championship fight. This comes as the 2025 season approaches its climax with a tight three-way battle for the title after a dramatic late resurgence from Verstappen and a double McLaren disqualification in Las Vegas.

Why it matters:

The championship battle has tightened considerably, making McLaren's internal team dynamics crucial. Verstappen's comments highlight the fierce individual ambition of F1 drivers, emphasizing that team orders could undermine a driver's career and the competitive integrity of the sport. McLaren's decision to let their drivers race freely also directly impacts Verstappen's own unexpected title chances.

The details:

• The 2025 F1 season has seen a year-long title fight primarily between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris currently leads the championship by 24 points with two rounds remaining.
• Norris is now the favorite after Piastri's late-season collapse, but Max Verstappen, after winning in Las Vegas, is now level on points with Piastri, re-entering the title picture.
• Las Vegas GP Disqualification: Both McLaren cars were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to plank wear violations, which significantly impacted the championship standings and brought Verstappen back into contention.
• Following the disqualification, there was external pressure on McLaren to implement team orders, asking Piastri to support Norris to consolidate his lead against Verstappen.
• McLaren's Stance: McLaren has publicly stated they will not impose team orders, allowing both Norris and Piastri to race freely.
• Verstappen's View: Verstappen supports McLaren's decision, stating that if he were in Piastri's shoes, he would refuse team orders. He emphasized that a "real winner" should always go for it, even if behind, to avoid being labeled a "number two driver."
• Verstappen acknowledged that the gap to Norris is still significant (24 points) but is now a "better chance than what it was before that" due to the McLaren disqualifications. He maintains a "nothing to lose" mindset, vowing to "go all in."

The big picture:

This scenario underscores the eternal tension in F1 between individual driver ambition and team objectives, especially when a championship is on the line. McLaren's commitment to letting their drivers race could provide thrilling finales, but also carries the risk of internal conflict or lost points, which could benefit a resurgent Verstappen.

What's next:

With two rounds remaining, including the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, the championship is poised for a thrilling conclusion. The absence of team orders at McLaren means Piastri will continue to push for victories, potentially taking points away from Norris. This internal competition, combined with Verstappen's aggressive pursuit, sets the stage for an unpredictable end to the 2025 F1 season.