Does McLaren Need a Number One Driver to Challenge Verstappen?

As the F1 championship battle intensifies, the critical question for McLaren is whether they should designate a clear number one driver to secure the title against Max Verstappen. With both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris's lead over Verstappen significantly shrinking, F1 insider Ralf Bach offers a frank assessment in a recent YouTube video.

Bach acknowledges the complexity of the situation: "It's a very difficult situation. I would initially let them race freely. But if Verstappen continues to close in at this rapid pace, McLaren must evaluate who is in better form and let the math dictate their decision. They need to precisely assess: 'Who has the more realistic chance of winning the title?'"

Why it matters:

McLaren's championship hopes hang in the balance. While maintaining an equal footing between their drivers fosters healthy competition, it risks scattering points and potentially allowing Verstappen to capitalize, as seen in past multi-driver championship bids. Deciding when and if to implement team orders could be the defining moment of their season.

The Details:

• Current Stance: McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has repeatedly stated that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are free to race each other as long as they both have a mathematical chance at the title.
• Ralf Bach's Warning: Bach suggests this stance could backfire, especially if Verstappen continues his relentless charge.
• Stella's Past Experience: Bach highlights Stella's history at Ferrari, where he witnessed both a championship win (Kimi Räikkönen in 2007) and a painful loss (Fernando Alonso in 2010), both influenced by multi-driver scenarios. "His reference to those years shows how great the fear of Verstappen is," Bach notes.
• Fan Opinion: A current F1-Insider poll shows 60% of participants advise McLaren to let their drivers continue racing freely. Only 25% would fully back Piastri, and 15% would implement team orders for Norris.

The Big Picture:

This dilemma is a classic in Formula 1: prioritizing team loyalty and fair competition versus maximizing championship chances through strategic team orders. McLaren's decision will not only impact the 2024 season but also set a precedent for their team dynamics and driver development for years to come. Verstappen's dominant form adds immense pressure, forcing McLaren to weigh their options carefully.

What's next:

The upcoming Mexican Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is critical. Verstappen has won five of the last seven races there, making it a pivotal event where McLaren's strategy could be tested. The team will need to closely monitor performance and championship standings in the remaining five races to determine the optimal approach.

If Verstappen continues to extend his lead, McLaren might be forced to make a difficult choice, potentially altering the course of the championship battle.