Verstappen Backs McLaren‘s Approach to Driver Freedom
SUZUKA,Japan,April 26 – Max Verstappen has voiced support for McLaren’s decision to allow โits drivers,Lando Norrisโค and Oscar Piastri,to race freelyโฃ without team orders,a strategy that recently allowed Norris to secure victory at the Miami Grand Prix. The Red Bullโค driver acknowledged the potential risks but emphasized the importance of lettingโ drivers compete and learn.
McLaren’s approach, a departure from more controlling strategies employed by some teams, has sparkedโ debate within Formula 1. The team’s willingness to โขlet its โฃdrivers battle for position,even if it risks losing potential โขpoints,underscores a commitment to fostering internal competition andโ driver progress. This philosophy gained prominence after Norris overtook Piastri in Miami, ultimately securing the win – a move team principal Andrea โStella explicitly โpermitted. Verstappen believes this approach is beneficial,stating it allows drivers โto “grow” and “learn” from direct competition.โ
“I think it’s good,” Verstappen said, โคas reported byโ Reuters. “Iโค think it’s โขnice to seeโค that they let the drivers race. Of course, it’s always a risk, but I think that’s also how you grow as a teamโ and how the drivers โgrow.”
The debate around team โorders has longโ been a fixture in Formula 1, often surfacing when a team has a clear advantage and seeks to maximize championship points. While some teamsโ prioritize securing the constructors’ championship through strategicโข maneuvering, mclaren appears to be prioritizing a more open and competitive โฃhabitat, even if it means potentially sacrificing short-termโฃ gains. This stance aligns with a broader shift in the sport towards prioritizing entertainment and driver freedom, a trend championed by โขFormula 1’s owner, Liberty Media.
Thomson Reuters Trust Principles underpin our commitmentโ to providing accurate andโ impartial reporting.
