McLaren's Internal Rivalry Could Benefit Verstappen, Says Team Principal

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella believes Max Verstappen is firmly back in the F1 title fight, emphatically stating his return 'in capital letters.' Stella warns that the internal battle between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could inadvertently hand Verstappen and Red Bull an advantage as the season progresses.

Why it matters:

McLaren is currently locked in a fierce internal battle for the Drivers' Championship, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri performing at an exceptionally high level. While a strong team performance, this dynamic means that points could be split between the two drivers, potentially allowing a singular dominant force like Max Verstappen to capitalize and reclaim the championship lead.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: Following his pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Andrea Stella declared Verstappen's return to the title fight with a resounding 'YES,' even suggesting it be written 'in capitals.'
• Acknowledging Verstappen's Caliber: Stella highlighted Verstappen's status as a four-time world champion in a 'fast car,' underscoring the formidable challenge he presents.
• McLaren's Vulnerabilities: Stella admitted that McLaren might not maintain a competitive advantage in all of the remaining seven Grands Prix. This variability could create opportunities for rivals.
• Internal Point-Splitting: The intense competition between Norris and Piastri means they will inevitably take points away from each other.
  • Stella acknowledged this aspect but reiterated the team's policy of letting them race, respecting both drivers' championship aspirations.
• Verstappen as Beneficiary: The McLaren Team Principal explicitly stated that this internal rivalry could allow Verstappen to 'pick up the scraps,' potentially making a crucial difference in the championship outcome by the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The big picture:

After a challenging start to the season for Red Bull, Verstappen's recent strong performances have put him firmly back in contention. McLaren's impressive rise, spearheaded by Norris and Piastri, has introduced a new dynamic to the championship. However, the very strength of their driver lineup could become a strategic weakness if their rivalry enables Verstappen to consolidate points consistently. This sets the stage for a thrilling second half of the season, where team strategy and individual driver performance will be critical.

What's next:

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how McLaren manages its dual-driver championship bid, especially in races where their car might not be the absolute fastest. The effectiveness of their 'let them race' policy will be tested against the consistent threat posed by Verstappen. If Norris and Piastri continue to battle intensely, Verstappen could very well leverage their point-splitting to secure his fifth consecutive title.