Verstappen gives nod to McLaren’s approach amid title battle: 'It's perfect'

The Red Bull Racing driver, who spoke to GPblog at the Qatar Grand Prix, was asked about McLaren’s decision to continue allowing both drivers to race freely with the championship finely poised. Verstappen, in his assessment, described the decision as perfect, stating he would not have allowed it [supporting his teammate in a title fight] if he were in Oscar Piastri’s shoes.

“No, it's perfect. I think you couldn't do a better job than allowing them to race as well,” he began.

“Why would you suddenly say that Oscar [Piastri] wouldn't be allowed anymore? If that were said to me, I would not have worked up; I would have told him to 'F off',” Verstappen continued.

“For me, I'm equal on points with Oscar. Like I said before, a lot still needs to go right, but I think it should be like that, they are free to race, and hopefully, we can make it a great battle until the end,” he added.

Lando Norris currently leads the championship, with teammate Piastri tied on points with Verstappen, just 24 points behind. Entering the final rounds, McLaren have decided to maintain its policy of letting both drivers race without restrictions, Piastri explained this Thursday.

Earlier, Ralf Schumacher urged McLaren to back Norris over Piastri as Verstappen continues to cut the deficit in the title race.

The former Williams Racing driver stressed that the team risks losing the drivers’ title if both its drivers continue to battle on track, with the 2025 campaign entering its final stretch.

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