Max Verstappen May Force McLaren to Use Team Orders, Says Piastri

Oscar Piastri says Max Verstappen’s ongoing title fight could push McLaren to make tough decisions as the Formula 1 season heads deeper into the summer. McLaren is currently enjoying a strong run, with Piastri holding 186 points after his recent Spanish Grand Prix win and teammate Lando Norris just 10 points behind in the standings.

Verstappen, the defending world champion, trails them on 137 after a rough outing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, sitting 49 points off the top. Despite driving what many consider weaker machinery compared to previous years, Verstappen continues to be a significant threat for the championship.

The Dutch driver has made a habit of staying in contention even when Red Bull isn’t at its best, reminiscent of Alain Prost’s famous 1986 title charge against Williams pair Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet. This dynamic has brought fresh attention to whether McLaren will continue its policy of letting Piastri and Norris race freely, or if Verstappen’s challenge will force the team to prioritize one driver over the other as the points race tightens.

Piastri commented that he believes both McLaren drivers still have a shot at the title and insists that, for now, the team should allow an open fight between himself and Norris. He told media outlets that if Verstappen or another rival keeps close in the points, then a conversation about team orders might be necessary.

However, he feels McLaren is still some way from needing to make that call. Piastri stressed that the spirit in the team remains competitive but fair, with both drivers eager for a shot at their first Formula 1 crown.

With nine rounds complete, McLaren leads the Constructors’ standings with 362 points, well clear of Ferrari’s 165 and Mercedes’ 159. Red Bull, with Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda, sit in fourth on 144 points.

The numbers reflect McLaren’s turnaround in form, while Verstappen’s resilience in the points battle keeps other teams on alert. Both Piastri and Norris are chasing their first F1 championship, while Verstappen aims for his fourth straight title.

Piastri’s recent win in Spain showcased McLaren’s pace against the dominant Red Bull squad, yet Verstappen’s record of strong performances suggests the title race will remain unpredictable. The next few races could decide whether team tactics become essential, especially if the points gap between the top three drivers narrows further.

With upcoming rounds at iconic tracks like Silverstone, Spa, and the Hungaroring, team strategies are sure to be analyzed closely. McLaren’s leadership faces a delicate balance, maintaining harmony between Piastri and Norris while being mindful of Verstappen’s presence in the championship hunt.

All eyes are on whether team orders will come into play later in the year, or if McLaren will hold off and let their drivers settle it on track. The intensity of the 2025 Formula 1 season continues, with fans and teams watching for any shift in tactics as the title rivals push each other to new limits.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.