In a bold declaration that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Max Verstappen has cautioned McLaren that Oscar Piastri is unlikely to accept a subordinate role to teammate Lando Norris. As McLaren pivots to prioritize Norris in a last-ditch effort to seize the championship, Verstappen believes the team’s strategy is fraught with peril.
With McLaren boss Andrea Stella announcing enhanced support for Norris in the remaining eight races, the team aims to capitalize on Red Bull’s recent slump. Norris sits 62 points behind Verstappen, who has openly admitted that retaining his title is “not realistic” given Red Bull’s alarming dip in performance—including a six-race winless streak.
However, Verstappen highlights a glaring issue in McLaren’s plan: Piastri is only 44 points adrift of Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, a smaller gap than Norris’s deficit to Verstappen. “If you look at it from Oscar’s perspective, he’s closer to Lando than Lando is to me,” Verstappen told RacingNews365. “They have to deal with that.”
McLaren had previously avoided strict team orders, allowing their drivers to race freely. But after Piastri’s audacious overtake on Norris during the opening lap of the Italian Grand Prix, the team has decided to throw its full weight behind Norris. While Piastri has publicly expressed his willingness to support his teammate, Verstappen is skeptical.
“I don’t think Oscar is the type to be labeled as the second driver,” the three-time world champion asserted. “They weren’t far apart in the championship standings.”
Verstappen suggests that McLaren’s decision could backfire, given Piastri’s competitive nature and refusal to play second fiddle. “They do what they want, and it’s not my problem,” he said dismissively. “I have my own problems at the moment.”
As McLaren closes the gap to Red Bull to just eight points in the Constructors’ Championship, the internal dynamics between Norris and Piastri could become a critical factor. Verstappen implies that underestimating Piastri’s ambition and talent could derail McLaren’s championship aspirations.
With Red Bull’s dominance waning and the championship race tightening, McLaren faces a potential internal conflict that could jeopardize their quest for glory. Verstappen’s message is clear: Piastri won’t quietly accept a backseat role, and McLaren may have ignited a rivalry that could cost them dearly.
