Verstappen backs Piastri: 'I'd never accept wingman role at McLaren'
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Max Verstappen has put himself in Oscar Piastri's shoes at McLaren and said he would never accept playing second fiddle to help Lando Norris in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. The Dutchman believes Piastri is too good to play the supporting role.
McLaren are fighting to win both World Championships in Formula 1. They currently lead the Constructors' Championship and are favourites to beat Red Bull Racing. However, Norris has a 52-point gap to bridge to Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship with just six Grands Prix and three sprint races remaining.
In some situations, the team would now like to ask Piastri to support Norris so that he can get as many points as possible. Verstappen would not accept that if he were in the Australian's position.
Does Verstappen expect McLaren team orders?
According to the Red Bull driver, Piastri is not a second driver: "For me, he's definitely not a [number two driver] and if I was him I would never accept it". As a three-time world champion and one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, Verstappen will find it easier to say that than someone who is relatively new to the sport like Piastri. The 23-year-old is in just his second season.
However, Verstappen has already demonstrated that he does not let his teammates through. In Singapore in 2015, a clear "No!" was heard when Verstappen was asked to help Carlos Sainz.
Verstappen also understands that it is harder for Piastri to be as affirmative. "But he's just a great F1 driver who doesn't deserve it to give up wins and positions and play second fiddle because he's asked to," Verstappen said.
Although McLaren has stated that it will not carry out team orders when it comes to victory, it could well be that Piastri has to give up second place if Norris is behind him. Verstappen thinks differently: "If there is nothing in your contract, then you don't necessarily have to stick to it."
This article has been created in collaboration with Tim Kraaij
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