Max Verstappen refuses to consider Oscar Piastri as the ‘number two’ driver at McLaren

Max Verstappen believed that Oscar Piastri was performing too well in the 2024 season to be considered a number 2 driver to Lando Norris,

Max Verstappen refuses to consider Oscar Piastri as the ‘number two’ driver at McLaren

Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)

McLaren currently has the courtesy of the most dominant chassis on the grid and the driver pairing. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have continued to maximize points over the race weekends with, with the young driver showcasing great racing mettle against the former. Due to this dominant performance from the Aussie, Max Verstappen refused to place him as a number two driver to the Briton at McLaren.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have performed similarly this season and are just 42 points apart. Piastri, however, was forced to play the team game by helping Norris on multiple occasions, ultimately sabotaging his race. Multiple individuals backed the Australian driver in this stich and asked him not to play the team game.

Max Verstappen noted that Oscar Piastri was not a number two driver for him. Moreover, the Dutchman reckoned that he wouldn’t accept that tag if he were in Piastri’s place. Verstappen added that the 23-year-old was a great driver who didn’t deserve to give up wins just because he was asked to do so by the team.

For me he’s definitely not a [number 2 driver], and if I was him I would never accept it. He’s just a great driver who doesn’t deserve to give up wins and positions and play second fiddle because he’s asked to.

Max Verstappen told Autosport.com.

Max Verstappen labeled Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’ pair as ‘best on the grid’

Both the McLaren drivers have helped the team in breezing past Red Bull in the constructors’ championship standings. Moreover, Oscar Piastri has a 100% record of finishing in points in the 2024 season. Amidst such positive performances, Max Verstappen believed that Piastri-Norris formed the best driver pairing on the grid this season.

Yes, because they are closely matched and because they are both quick.

Max Verstappen said.
Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via FIA.com)
Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via FIA.com)

Red Bull will have to work extremely hard to contend for the championship victory. Additionally, Verstappen might face severe competition for winning the drivers’ championship by Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri would have to be of great help to Norris in the latter’s championship ambitions amidst the ongoing battle.