Verstappen Praises McLaren's 'Perfect' No-Team-Orders Stance

Max Verstappen has praised McLaren's decision to allow Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race freely, stating it's 'perfect' and that he would have rejected team orders himself. With the F1 title fight intensifying after the Las Vegas GP disqualifications, Verstappen is now just 24 points behind Norris, making every race crucial.

Why it matters:

McLaren's decision to eschew team orders in favor of pure racing highlights a critical philosophical split in F1 team management, especially as the championship battle tightens. For Verstappen, it validates a core racing principle, while for McLaren, it's a test of whether their drivers' competitive spirit can coexist with championship aspirations.

The details:

• Following the double disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen has significantly closed the gap to Norris, now trailing by just 24 points.
• Verstappen is currently tied with Piastri on 366 points, showing a strong surge in form with four wins, two seconds, and two thirds since the summer break, plus a Sprint win.
• Despite the looming threat from Verstappen and the championship implications, McLaren has publicly stated they will not impose team orders on Piastri, allowing both drivers to compete freely.
• Verstappen's Reaction: When asked about McLaren's stance, Verstappen called it "perfect," emphasizing that preventing a driver from racing would be counterproductive.
  • He explicitly stated, "If that was said to me, I would not have rocked up, I would have told them to f-off," underscoring his belief in pure racing.
  • Verstappen argued that a "real winner and a racer" would always go for it, regardless of the situation, to avoid being labeled a "number two driver."
• Championship Context: Heading into the Qatar GP, Norris can secure the championship if he outscores Piastri and Verstappen by two points, or by one point if he wins the main race.

The big picture:

This scenario underscores the tension between individual driver ambition and team strategic objectives. While some teams might prioritize a clear championship path by enforcing orders, McLaren's approach signals a commitment to competitive integrity, albeit with potential risks. Verstappen's strong performance and narrowing points gap add significant pressure to this decision, transforming it from a mere philosophical choice into a high-stakes gamble in the final races.

What's next:

The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix will be a crucial test for McLaren's no-team-orders strategy. With Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen all in contention, the race could showcase intense on-track battles, potentially shaping the championship outcome in an unpredictable fashion. The performance of both McLaren drivers, free to race each other, will be under intense scrutiny, as will Verstappen's continued momentum in his pursuit of the title.