Verstappen Backs McLaren’s Free-Racing Approach as Piastri Eyes F1 Title
Doha, Nov 27 — Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has praised McLaren for allowing their drivers to race freely, insisting that teammate Oscar Piastri deserves no less than full opportunity to compete for the title.
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen said: “McLaren are right to let their drivers race freely. Piastri would be labelled a number two if he accepted anything else.” The Dutch star emphasized the importance of fair competition, noting that intra-team restrictions can stifle a driver’s championship ambitions.
Piastri, 21, currently trails teammate Lando Norris by 24 points, but remains confident about his title chances. “I still have a decent shot,” he said. “It’s not just about winning races—I need results to go my way as well as taking victories on track.”
With 58 points still available in the remaining races, the championship battle remains wide open. Norris could clinch the crown in Qatar on Sunday, but both Piastri and Verstappen are in contention, setting the stage for an intense showdown in the desert.
Verstappen’s comments underline a broader F1 philosophy that many champions advocate: letting teammates compete on equal footing often produces the best racing and maintains integrity in the sport.
Fans can expect high drama as McLaren’s duo battles it out alongside Verstappen, with the championship hanging in the balance until the season’s final races.
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