P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has claimed Oscar Piastri is not “the type to be labelled a second driver” amid McLaren’s decision to prioritise his Formula 1 teammate Lando Norris. McLaren boss Andrea Stella disclosed prior to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix that Norris will receive more support across the remaining eight rounds this term. Norris heads into […]
McLaren boss Andrea Stella announced that Lando Norris will receive increased support in the remaining eight rounds of the season, with Norris currently trailing Max Verstappen by 62 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Verstappen admitted that winning the championship is “not realistic” due to Red Bull’s struggles in recent races, where they have not won in the last six events. McLaren, now only 8 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, aims to capitalize on their rival’s difficulties for a shot at the double title. Verstappen pointed out that Oscar Piastri, within 44 points of Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, is closer to Norris than Norris is to him, indicating potential challenges for McLaren’s strategy. Despite McLaren’s shift to supporting Norris, Verstappen highlighted Piastri’s competitiveness and potential impact on team dynamics, emphasizing Piastri’s stature as a strong contender rather than a typical second driver within the team.
