F1 Fans Divided as McLaren Faces Max Verstappen Threat: Should They Prioritize a Driver?

F1 fans are sharply divided on whether McLaren should now implement team orders and prioritize one of its drivers in the championship battle, as Max Verstappen's recent surge poses a significant threat. While Verstappen has claimed victory in three of the last four Grands Prix, McLaren has remained winless during the same period.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's relentless form has narrowed the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to just 40 points, with only five rounds and two sprint events remaining. This tightening championship fight forces McLaren into a difficult strategic dilemma: maintain an equal footing for both drivers or throw their weight behind one to maximize their title chances against a formidable rival.

The details:

• Verstappen's Momentum: The Red Bull driver has secured three wins in the last four races, showcasing his and Red Bull's strong performance. This has allowed him to rapidly close in on the McLaren drivers.
• Championship Standings: Oscar Piastri currently leads the championship, but his advantage over Verstappen has shrunk to a mere 40 points.
• Fan Poll Results: A poll conducted by RacingNews365 revealed a significant split among F1 fans regarding McLaren's strategy:
  • Prioritize Piastri: Over 46% of voters believe McLaren should back Piastri to counter Verstappen's challenge, indicating a desire to consolidate efforts behind the current championship leader.
  • Prioritize Norris: A small minority, only 6% of fans, think Lando Norris should be favored, suggesting less confidence in his current title prospects compared to Piastri.
  • No Prioritization: Just under half of all voters (48%) do not support a change in McLaren's strategy:
    • 31% believe McLaren should not implement team orders at all this season.
    • Nearly 17% argue that it is still too early in the championship to make such a decisive call.

The big picture:

McLaren's current philosophy of allowing both drivers to race freely has been a hallmark of their season. However, the escalating threat from Verstappen's Red Bull, a team known for its strategic ruthlessness in championship battles, puts this approach under intense scrutiny. The decision to back a single driver could streamline their points accumulation, but it also carries the risk of damaging team morale and alienating the non-prioritized driver.

What's next:

The next challenge on the F1 calendar is the Mexico City Grand Prix. This event holds historical significance for McLaren, though their last victory there dates back to 1989. The high-altitude circuit presents unique challenges for all teams, and how McLaren manages its drivers and strategy in Mexico could be a crucial indicator of their championship intentions for the remaining races.