Should McLaren Prioritize a Driver in the Max Verstappen Fight?

Max Verstappen has rapidly closed the gap to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the F1 drivers' championship after a dominant weekend at the Circuit of the Americas. Taking maximum points from both the sprint and the main race, Verstappen has inserted himself into what was previously a McLaren-dominated two-horse race, prompting questions about McLaren's strategy moving forward.

Why it matters:

McLaren's equal treatment of its drivers, while usually an advantage, now poses a significant risk. The 'two vs. one' dynamic means Norris and Piastri can take crucial points from each other, while Red Bull can fully dedicate its resources and strategy to Max Verstappen. This situation could dilute McLaren's championship challenge against a focused rival.

The details:

• Verstappen's wins at the United States Grand Prix sprint and main race brought him within 26 points of Norris and 40 points of Piastri.
• This effectively transformed the championship battle from an intra-McLaren fight into a three-way contest.
• Driver Dynamics: Piastri currently holds a 14-point lead over Norris.
• However, Norris is widely considered the driver in better form, especially given Piastri's recent struggles.
• Team Stance: McLaren has consistently maintained an equal approach to both drivers, refusing to implement team orders or prioritize one over the other in the championship battle.
  • The team's current stance is that it's too early in the season to back one driver fully for the title.

The big picture:

Historically, when a team has two drivers fighting for the championship against a single rival, a clear strategy is often needed to maximize the team's chances. Leaving both drivers to race freely risks losing valuable points to a singular, focused competitor like Verstappen. McLaren's commitment to fairness could inadvertently play into Red Bull's hands.

What's next:

McLaren faces a critical decision point. Continuing with their equal-opportunity policy might sustain internal team harmony but could cost them the championship. Conversely, prioritizing one driver, likely Norris given his recent form, could boost their title odds but potentially create internal friction. The upcoming races will test McLaren's resolve and strategy as the championship fight intensifies.