McLaren entered the 2024 Formula 1 season determined to end Red Bull’s dominance, aiming to challenge not only for the Constructors’ Championship but also the Drivers’ crown. While the team secured its first Constructors’ title since 1998, their handling of team dynamics, dubbed the “papaya rules,” arguably hindered Lando Norris’ quest for individual glory.
Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, criticized McLaren’s approach, particularly their decision to give equal treatment to Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri.
McLaren’s Dual Driver Strategy Creates Tension
Norris emerged as the primary contender to dethrone Max Verstappen in 2024. However, Oscar Piastri’s breakout performances frequently disrupted Norris’ championship push. The tension reached its peak at the Hungarian Grand Prix when McLaren instructed Norris to let Piastri through in the closing laps, handing the Australian his maiden Grand Prix victory.
While Piastri celebrated his win, Norris’ championship hopes suffered a blow, leaving the Briton visibly frustrated. Reflecting on the incident, Jos Verstappen remarked:
“They must have regretted that later. Because you don’t know what’s going on in that team, what the situation is with contracts and what agreements were made. But if I translate it to Max, I think he would have had trouble letting his teammate pass him.”
This approach contrasts sharply with Red Bull’s unwavering support for Max Verstappen as their clear No. 1 driver, which has been a cornerstone of his dominance.
Jos Verstappen Questions McLaren’s Priorities
The elder Verstappen questioned McLaren’s decision to focus on equal treatment rather than prioritizing their best chance at the Drivers’ Championship. Despite Norris’ consistent performances, including multiple wins and podium finishes, McLaren’s inability to manage their drivers strategically allowed Max Verstappen to seal his fourth consecutive title with two races to spare.
“They [McLaren] should have backed Lando fully if they wanted to challenge Max. These decisions cost them, and it’s something they’ll reflect on.”
Red Bull’s Internal and External Challenges
While McLaren celebrated their Constructors’ triumph, Red Bull faced a challenging 2024 season. An inconsistent RB20 struggled to keep pace with McLaren’s MCL38 and Ferrari’s SF-24 in the second half of the year. Rumors of Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull further fueled speculation about the team’s future. Jos Verstappen weighed in, suggesting that other top teams, like McLaren or Mercedes, could become appealing options for Max if Red Bull fails to improve:
“Now look at McLaren and Mercedes. Are you better off with a Mercedes engine? Well, not at the moment. But of course, that is exactly the competition you are in. That is also the beauty of the sport, that you can also just make the wrong decisions. And that has never been different in Formula 1.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With McLaren claiming the Constructors’ Championship and Piastri and Norris proving themselves as formidable talents, the team enters 2025 as a major force. However, managing their drivers effectively will be crucial if they aim to win both championships.
For Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the pressure is on to rebound from a turbulent 2024. As the ground-effect regulations era nears its end, Verstappen will be aiming to solidify his legacy with another title in 2025, while keeping an eye on how McLaren and Mercedes adapt to the upcoming 2026 rules reset.
The stage is set for another thrilling season, with Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri all vying for supremacy—and McLaren facing the challenge of balancing ambition with team harmony.
