Verstappen Delighted by McLaren’s No Team Orders: « Perfect! »

Short Excerpt: Max Verstappen calls McLaren’s refusal to impose team orders favoring Lando Norris « perfect » ahead of the 2025 Qatar GP, as he eyes a three-way title fight with Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen Thrilled by McLaren’s No Team Orders Stance

Max Verstappen has reacted positively to McLaren’s confirmation that it will not impose team orders favoring Lando Norris in the 2025 Formula 1 title fight, describing the decision as « perfect. » With Norris leading by 24 points over both Verstappen and Oscar Piastri ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver sees McLaren’s policy of letting its drivers race freely as an ideal scenario for his championship hopes.

“No team orders? Perfect! That keeps Oscar in the fight and makes my job a bit easier. I’d tell any team to f-off if they asked me to move over while I’m still in it.”

Verstappen’s Blunt Advice on Team Orders

The Dutch driver was candid about his personal stance, saying he would tell McLaren to « f-off » if placed in Piastri’s position and instructed to aid a teammate. Verstappen argued that true competitors fight for their own victories regardless of points gaps, adding that suddenly sidelining Piastri now would contradict McLaren’s season-long approach.

This view aligns with Piastri’s own revelation of a brief internal discussion where he rejected any supporting role, insisting he has a « decent shot » at the title while tied on points with Verstappen.

Three-Way Title Battle Intensifies in Qatar

Norris can secure his maiden world championship at the Qatar Grand Prix—a sprint weekend offering 33 points—if he outscores both rivals by at least two points across the events. Verstappen acknowledged the opportunity but stressed the need for maximum results and luck across the final two rounds, with 58 points still available including Abu Dhabi.

“Qatar is a chance, but I need to win both races and hope for help elsewhere. I’m going all in—nothing to lose.”

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has backed the no-orders policy, stating there is no reason to prioritize Norris while Piastri stays in contention, though the door remains open for review post-Qatar.

Strategic Implications for the Final Rounds

Verstappen’s resurgence has transformed the finale into a tense three-way battle, with McLaren’s stance potentially benefiting the Red Bull driver by keeping Piastri aggressive against Norris. Verstappen remains focused on « going all in » with nothing to lose, viewing the situation as better than before Las Vegas despite the challenges ahead.

“Three cars, two rounds, one trophy—this is exactly how a championship should finish. Let the best team win… and may that team be us.”