Max Verstappen has warned Oscar Piastri that the Australian risks being seen as a “number two” if he abandons his own title challenge to assist team‑mate Lando Norris.
Heading into the final two rounds of the season, which begin with a Sprint weekend in Qatar, Norris leads both Verstappen and Piastri by 24 points. Piastri has admitted McLaren briefly discussed the idea of him supporting Norris, but he made clear he is not prepared to give up his own shot at the championship. Team principal Andrea Stella reinforced that McLaren has no plans to impose team orders in Qatar, and Norris said he does not expect on‑track help from Piastri while his team‑mate still has a mathematical chance.
Verstappen backed that hands‑off approach. He said it is right to let both drivers race and suggested any driver told not to compete properly would have little reason to stay. Verstappen argued that genuine competitors want to race for themselves rather than accept a subordinate role, adding that being told to step aside would have led him to refuse. He also noted he understands the mindset of a racer and believes Piastri would not want to label himself a second driver.
Experience could be a factor in the closing stages, Verstappen added. The Dutchman, a four‑time world champion, said the ways you prepare for and approach a race weekend change with experience, and that can make a difference even if it’s subtle. He pointed to his own evolution since his 2021 title fight as an example of how accumulated knowledge helps in tight championship battles.
Verstappen’s comeback this season has been dramatic. After the Dutch Grand Prix in late August he trailed the standings by 104 points when Piastri was leading. A strong run since then — eight consecutive podiums including four wins — has tightened the title race and kept his bid for a fifth successive championship alive.
Looking ahead to Qatar, Verstappen acknowledged that the most critical element remains car performance. “We need to be faster than them, or at least on a similar level,” he said, while also conceding that luck will likely play a part. Even if McLaren finish second and third, they would still be well positioned; from Red Bull’s side, everything must go exceptionally well and there may also be a need for a little help along the way.
Coverage note: Formula 1’s season‑ending triple header continues with the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint weekend, with live coverage on Sky Sports F1 from Friday. The weekend’s schedule includes practice and qualifying sessions, the Sprint, and the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, with additional support‑category sessions throughout the three days.