Schumacher Warns McLaren‘s Lack of Team Orders Could Hand Verstappen Unexpected Championship
December 3, 2025 – Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen could still snatch the world Championship title, citing McLaren’s unusual approach to team dynamics as a potential vulnerability. Schumacher expressed concern that the absence of a clear team order at McLaren could lead to a collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, inadvertently gifting Verstappen a path to victory in the final race.
The championship battle has traditionally seen teams prioritize one driver’s chances, employing “stall orders” to ensure their lead contender isn’t hampered by a teammate. McLaren, tho, has adopted a policy of allowing both Norris and Piastri to compete freely on the track.Schumacher contends this strategy, while fostering internal competition, carries significant risk, particularly as the season culminates.
“if McLaren doesn’t manage to implement a clear team order – preferably after qualifying – then I almost fear that both will somehow meet on the track and Max will become World champion again, because both McLarens will be eliminated,” Schumacher stated. He suggests that the potential for intra-team conflict, without defined priorities, could create a scenario where both McLaren drivers compromise their positions, opening the door for Verstappen to capitalize. The final race of the season will determine whether Schumacher’s concerns materialize and if McLaren’s unconventional approach will ultimately cost them a championship opportunity.
