McLaren’s Shocking Controversy: Steiner Declares Them ‘W*ers’ After Championship Win!**
In a weekend that was supposed to celebrate McLaren’s crowning achievement in the Constructors’ Championship, controversy stole the spotlight. Following a commendable third and fourth place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren’s 27 points granted them an unassailable lead, securing the title with a staggering six races still on the calendar. But amidst this triumph, Guenther Steiner, the outspoken team principal of Haas, didn’t hold back, branding McLaren the “w***er” of the weekend, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the integrity of the papaya-clad team.
The drama unfolded on the very first lap of the race when Lando Norris collided with teammate Oscar Piastri at Turn 3, igniting a firestorm of commentary regarding McLaren’s so-called “papaya rules.” These rules, which Piastri had previously described as “literally one rule: don’t crash into each other,” seemed to crumble under the weight of team dynamics and race strategies. Instead of adhering to their principles, McLaren’s actions during this critical moment overshadowed their championship victory, prompting Steiner’s scathing remarks.
Steiner appeared on the Red Flags podcast, expressing his disbelief, “It can only be McLaren. As much as they won the world championship, we call them w***ers. It’s a little bit conflicting there.” He commended the car’s performance but was quick to critique the team’s execution in Singapore, saying, “What they put on in Singapore was not a world championship show.”
Critics are now asking: Are McLaren’s internal politics threatening their championship aspirations? Steiner pointedly remarked, “Either you have rules or you don’t have rules.” This raises poignant questions about McLaren’s leadership and decision-making processes, especially as they navigate the turbulent waters of a dual-driver championship contention. He emphasized the precarious situation, suggesting that favoritism might be a necessary evil as they push for the drivers’ title, stating, “If you’re getting worried to lose the world championship, you have to make the call.”
Steiner’s comments didn’t stop there. He lamented the tactical decisions that have overshadowed racing spirit within McLaren, questioning why Lando Norris’s engine failure and pit stop troubles were seemingly overlooked in favor of strategy. “It’s becoming a calculation. It’s not racing anymore. They’ve taken the racing element almost out of it,” he insisted.
While Steiner has been a vocal supporter of Piastri throughout the season, he clarified that he did not believe Norris’s actions in Singapore were out of line, calling it “hard racing.” However, he acknowledged the chaos that has muddled McLaren’s path to success, asserting, “Unraveling what was said and what was done is a story in itself.”
As the season progresses, Steiner hinted at the potential for more intra-team collisions, suggesting that McLaren’s drivers may be on a crash course unless clear team rules are established. “I would say it’s gas, and then they will take the decision to put team rules in,” he stated ominously. The stakes have never been higher for McLaren, and the question remains: Can they maintain their championship lead without sacrificing team unity?
With the race season still unfolding, the pressure is mounting, and the world will be watching to see if McLaren can navigate this treacherous path to glory or if they will continue to stumble in their quest for dominance. Will they turn their internal strife into strength, or will their championship dreams crumble under the weight of their own contradictions? The race is far from over!