Max Verstappen breaks silence on McLaren’s call to enforce team orders from Azerbaijan GP

Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on the internal problems at McLaren regarding team orders ahead of the Azerbaijan GP.

Max Verstappen breaks silence on McLaren’s call to enforce team orders from Azerbaijan GP

Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has continued to face a massive struggle to perform amidst Red Bull’s struggles. The Dutchman is facing a challenge for the drivers’ championship while the team is on the verge of being ousted from the top of the constructors’ championship.

However, McLaren’s problematic team orders might help the Milton Keyes team hold onto the lead for now. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri only have a 44-point disparity. However, McLaren has been a part of multiple controversial team orders in the past races.

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Max Verstappen has voiced his opinions on the internal matters of McLaren. He noted that he wasn’t surprised to see both its drivers fighting with each other. Subsequently, the reigning world champion highlighted that he had his own problems to deal with rather than worry about other teams.

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I am not surprised about it. Of course they do what they want and it's not my problem. I have my own problems at the moment.
Max Verstappen told racingnews365.nl

The Dutchman pointed out that from Piastri’s perspective, he was extremely close to Norris. The Australian is closer to his teammate than Norris was to the championship leader.

If you look at it from Oscar's perspective, he is closer to Lando than Lando is to me. They have to deal with that.
Max Verstappen added
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Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen claims Oscar Piastri wasn’t ‘the type’ to be ‘labeled’ as the second driver

Oscar Piastri has displayed some impressive performances against his teammate in the 2024 season. Max Verstappen highlighted that both McLaren drivers weren’t far apart in the championship standings and believes that Piastri isn’t the type to be labeled as the second driver.

Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)
They were not far apart, even in the championship. Oscar came in as first driver and I don't think he's the type to be labelled second driver either.
Max Verstappen noted
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Lando Norris (via imago)

McLaren has to keep up their positive performances for the remaining races to beat Red Bull, who are ahead by just eight points. The 2024 season has peaked in competition and excitement as multiple teams are well-placed for victory each race weekend. The Milton Keynes outfit must desperately work on their form and attempt to score a revival in performance to clinch the championship.