McLaren right to let drivers race, says Verstappen

McLaren are right to let their drivers race freely for the Formula One title and Oscar Piastri would be labelled a No. 2 if he accepted anything else, Red Bull's Max Verstappen said on Nov 27.

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McLaren’s Lando Norris could secure the crown in Qatar on Nov 30 but has teammate Piastri and four-time world champion Verstappen chasing 24 points behind, with 58 still to be won.

Constructors’ champions McLaren have assured their drivers equal status and Verstappen, who is on an impressive run of form and stands to benefit if they take points off each other, said that decision was “perfect”.

“I think you can’t do a better job than allowing them to race,” the Dutch driver, whose current teammate Yuki Tsunoda is a clear No. 2, told reporters.

“Why would you suddenly now say that Oscar wouldn't be allowed any more to (race). If that was said to me, I would have not rocked up.

“If you're a real winner and a racer, as a driver, then you go for it. I mean, even if you’re behind.

“What’s the point otherwise in turning up? Otherwise you can just easily label yourself as a No. 2 driver.