Max Verstappen is haunting the McLaren stars, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, in their bid for an F1 title. After the British outfit clinched the Constructors’ Championship, it seemed like only a matter of time before one of its drivers claimed the Drivers’ Championship, even before the season finale. However, the flying Dutchman had other plans, as a fifth consecutive world title is still within reach for the Red Bull ace.
Still, McLaren stands firm in its approach to Norris and Piastri.
McLaren’s Andrea Stella States the Team’s Approach To the Championship With 2 Races Left
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella isn’t moving with the wind. Despite the title race evolving, he is sticking to his guns when it comes to the team’s championship strategy.
He commented on the situation, saying that as long as it makes mathematical sense, Norris and Piastri will be left to fight for the title as they please.
The Athletic’s senior F1 writer, Luke Smith, posted Stella’s comments on X on Thursday, writing:
“Verstappen closing up hasn’t changed McLaren’s approach with the drivers. Stella: ‘We have always said that as long as the maths does not say otherwise, we would leave it up to the two drivers to fight for their chance at the final victory, and that is how it will be in Qatar.'”
Verstappen closing up hasn’t changed McLaren’s approach with the drivers. Stella: “We have always said that as long as the maths does not say otherwise, we would leave it up to the two drivers to fight for their chance at the final victory, and that is how it will be in Qatar.”
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) November 27, 2025
Stella’s comments might stir some controversy, as many believe there have been instances in the past where the team wasn’t as fair toward a driver as it claims to be. This season in Singapore presented one example, as Piastri called for foul play when Norris aggressively overtook him while making contact. However, McLaren and the stewards took no action.
Monza previously witnessed a highly controversial situation, where Norris’s failed pit stop resulted in him losing P2 to Piastri. Trying to be fair in their own eyes, the team ordered the Aussie to give the position back to the Brit, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.
How the so-called “Papaya Rules” can influence the rest of the season remains to be seen. But McLaren is undoubtedly hoping to avoid any problematic situations in the last two races. The team must collectively fend off the onslaught of a charging Verstappen, who is tied with Piastri for second place in the title race.
The Papayas’ double disqualification after the Las Vegas Grand Prix ruined any easy trip to the drivers’ title. The outfit will have to stay consistent in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if it wants to clinch both titles for the first time in 27 years.