P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has warned Oscar Piastri that “you sell your soul” if you give in to team orders without a clear reason, referencing his supposed tolerance to McLaren intructions last year.
Max Verstappen cautioned Oscar Piastri against blindly following team orders, recalling his own experience with McLaren’s instructions last year.
Despite Piastri’s 34-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship post-summer break, incidents, like those at Monza and Singapore, hindered his title pursuit.
Piastri’s compliance with team orders at Monza and other strategic errors led to him falling behind Norris and Verstappen in the standings.
Verstappen emphasized his refusal to obey similar instructions without a clear rationale, highlighting the dangers of compromising one’s principles.
McLaren’s success in 2025, based on teamwork over individual preferences, raised questions about the impact of such strategies on the Drivers’ Championship outcome.
The Dutch driver’s stance on team orders resonates in the context of McLaren’s upcoming challenges in the evolving F1 landscape, especially as Red Bull aligns with Ford for the new era.
Verstappen’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the complexities and ethical dilemmas drivers may face in balancing team obligations with personal ambitions in high-pressure racing environments.
