Verstappen Prefers a No. 1 Driver System, Citing Strategic Advantage
Max Verstappen says he'd run a clear No. 1 driver system as a team boss, claiming McLaren's egalitarian approach gave him a strategic advantage by forcing them to race each other.
Max Verstappen has outlined his ideal team management philosophy, stating he would always establish a clear number one and two driver structure. The reigning champion argued that McLaren's equal-driver policy in 2025 created strategic openings, allowing him to benefit from their internal competition as he fought them alone for the title.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's comments directly challenge the prevailing "equal driver" model favored by top teams like McLaren and Mercedes. His perspective highlights a core strategic dilemma in Formula 1: whether a team is better served by a single, unchallenged leader or by two strong drivers who risk taking points from one another. It also offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a driver who thrives on being the undisputed alpha of his team.
The details:
- Clear Hierarchy: Verstappen stated unequivocally, "If I were a team boss, I would always put a clear number one and two in place," emphasizing the need for a #2 who still contributes to the constructors' championship.
- Exploiting Rivalry: He claimed McLaren's two-pronged attack with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri was a weakness. "Because McLaren had two drivers, they gave away some things with their strategy. So, of course, we benefited from that too."
- Lone Wolf Advantage: Verstappen found freedom in being Red Bull's sole frontrunner amid their 2025 driver turmoil (Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda). "When you're on your own, you can go on the attack, you can be much more aggressive. I always prefer that."
- A Strategic Jab?: The comments could be seen as a piece of psychological warfare aimed at his rivals ahead of the 2026 season, reinforcing his alpha status and potentially sowing doubt within other teams about their driver management.
What's next:
As F1 heads into the 2026 season with new regulations, Verstappen's comments will fuel the ongoing debate over optimal team structure. Teams with two top-tier drivers, like McLaren, will face continued scrutiny on how they manage internal dynamics. For Verstappen, the message is clear: he operates best as the undisputed leader, a stance he'll carry into his title defense.