Verstappen Praises McLaren's Equal Treatment for Norris and Piastri

Max Verstappen strongly supports McLaren's strategy of allowing Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to freely compete for the drivers' championship, stating he would refuse to race if asked to be a 'second fiddle.' Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris leads Piastri by 24 points, with Verstappen tied with Piastri, setting up a thrilling three-way title battle.

Why it matters:

McLaren's commitment to letting both drivers race unhindered creates a more exciting championship narrative and reflects a 'racer's' mentality, according to Verstappen. This approach ensures neither driver is artificially held back, potentially intensifying the battle at the top and challenging the traditional 'team order' dynamics often seen in F1.

The details:

• Verstappen's Stance: The Dutch driver emphatically stated, "I would have told them to eff off" if asked to play a supporting role to a teammate. He believes any true winner and racer would always strive for victory, rather than accepting a 'number two' status.
• McLaren's Policy: McLaren has consistently maintained that it will not force one driver to sacrifice their championship aspirations for another. Team orders, when applied, have aimed for fairness rather than favoring one driver over the other.
• Championship Stakes: Norris currently holds a 24-point lead over Piastri. Verstappen is tied on points with Piastri, turning the contest into a tight three-way fight for the championship.
• Verstappen's Comeback: After the Dutch GP, Verstappen felt his championship hopes were over, being 104 points behind. However, significant upgrades, including a new floor introduced at the Italian Grand Prix, and a strong run of four wins and multiple podiums since Zandvoort, have propelled him back into contention.
• Current Form: Verstappen has been on the podium in every race since finishing second to Piastri at Zandvoort, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in performance and car understanding.

The big picture:

McLaren's decision to allow free competition between its drivers has cultivated a highly competitive internal environment, pushing both Norris and Piastri. This strategy, while potentially risking points for one driver, is lauded by competitors like Verstappen for promoting pure racing. It also allows for unexpected shifts in the championship standings, as evidenced by Verstappen's own impressive comeback.

What's next:

With the Qatar Grand Prix looming, the championship battle is set to intensify. Verstappen hopes for a "great battle 'til the end," indicating his intention to keep pushing for the title against both McLaren drivers. The continuation of McLaren's no-team-orders policy will be crucial in determining whether Norris can solidify his lead, Piastri can make a late charge, or Verstappen can defy the odds to claim the championship.