Verstappen Backs McLaren‘s Approach to Driver Freedom
SUZUKA,Japan,April 26 – Max Verstappen has voiced support for McLaren’s decision to allow its drivers,Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri,to race freely without team orders,a strategy that recently allowed Norris to secure victory at the Miami Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver acknowledged the potential risks but emphasized the importance of letting drivers compete and learn.
McLaren’s approach, a departure from more controlling strategies employed by some teams, has sparked debate within Formula 1. The team’s willingness to let its drivers battle for position,even if it risks losing potential points,underscores a commitment to fostering internal competition and driver progress. This philosophy gained prominence after Norris overtook Piastri in Miami, ultimately securing the win – a move team principal Andrea Stella explicitly permitted. Verstappen believes this approach is beneficial,stating it allows drivers to “grow” and “learn” from direct competition.
“I think it’s good,” Verstappen said, as reported by Reuters. “I think it’s nice to see that they let the drivers race. Of course, it’s always a risk, but I think that’s also how you grow as a team and how the drivers grow.”
The debate around team orders has long been a fixture in Formula 1, often surfacing when a team has a clear advantage and seeks to maximize championship points. While some teams prioritize securing the constructors’ championship through strategic maneuvering, mclaren appears to be prioritizing a more open and competitive habitat, even if it means potentially sacrificing short-term gains. This stance aligns with a broader shift in the sport towards prioritizing entertainment and driver freedom, a trend championed by Formula 1’s owner, Liberty Media.
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