Ex-F1 champion urges McLaren to use Oscar Piastri to steal fastest lap from Max Verstappen
Former F1 champion Jenson Button highlighted a new way for McLaren to take points away from Max Verstappen over Lando Norris' title bid.
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Oscar Piastri [L] Max Verstappen [R] (via IMAGO)
McLaren has emerged as the favorites for the 2024 F1 world title. The Woking-based squad has overtaken Red Bull in the standings, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri not far behind Max Verstappen. Now, former F1 world champion Jenson Button has highlighted what role Piastri could play to help Norris’ championship bid.
Button noted that he liked McLaren’s approach of not having concrete team orders over the title fight. However, the 2009 F1 world champion made it clear that the British team was at a point where it must favor Lando Norris to have a real shot against Max Verstappen. As the 24-year-old needs every point to win the title.
I like that there are no stable orders because, as a driver, I hate them. but if you want to win the World Cup, at some point you have to favor a driver. Especially in this phase of the championship, when every single point is important for Lando. If he wants to become world champion in 2024 he needs every single point.
Jenson Button told Sky F1
Jenson Button further explained that McLaren must utilize Oscar Piastri to take away points from Verstappen. The former F1 world champion highlighted that the Australian driver should steal the fastest lap point at the end of the race. Similar to what Daniel Ricciardo did to Norris at the Singapore GP.
This also means use Oscar to grab the fastest lap, if Max has it during a race.
Jenson Button stated
Jenson Button insists McLaren must ‘act’ to support Norris
The 44-year-old acknowledged that using Piastri as a number 2 driver would not be easy for the dynamics within the team. However, Jenson Button emphasized that it is necessary for McLaren if they want Lando Norris to secure his maiden F1 world championship. Currently, Norris trails behind Verstappen by 52 points with six races to go.
![Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lando-Norris-and-Oscar-Piastri-imago-1200x675.jpg)
It’s a really difficult situation for the drivers and the team, but you have to do it… Oscar has done an extraordinary job this year, but Lando has several more points. If they also want to win the Drivers title and not only the Constructors’ title, they will have to act like this.
Jenson Button noted
Certainly, McLaren will give preference to Norris for the remainder of the 2024 season. However, it will be interesting to see if the British team decides to use Piastri as a means to hamper Max Verstappen’s points tally.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2312 Articles Published)