Oscar Piastri has addressed Max Verstappen’s comments regarding McLaren’s use of team orders, which favor Lando Norris for the championship. After a strong start to the season for Verstappen, his performance has declined, allowing Norris to narrow the points gap to 52 with six races remaining.
Piastri, who trails Norris significantly, has accepted McLaren’s decision to support Norris for the title, which means he may need to relinquish his position if necessary.
Heading into the US GP, Verstappen stated he wouldn’t have accepted such a situation, praising Piastri as too talented to be seen as a second driver.
Piastri countered that the situation is more complex than it seems. He highlighted how Norris helped him win in Baku, emphasizing the importance of maximizing team results rather than strictly adhering to a number one or two driver dynamic.
He remarked, “I don’t see it as being a number one, number two… Last weekend Lando did a better job than me and won the race.”
Verstappen expressed sympathy for Piastri, recognizing his early career challenges, and said he would never agree to a subordinate role if he were in Piastri’s position.
He acknowledged that it’s easier for him to speak from his experience of ten years in F1, compared to Piastri’s second season.
The upcoming race in Austin could be crucial for the championship, and a strong performance from Verstappen could hinder Norris’s title aspirations.
