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Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, comfortably beating the two McLarens who found themselves locked in an intra-team battle. While the Dutchman initially refused to weigh in on McLaren’s controversial team order, he later hinted at how he would have handled the situation himself.
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As Verstappen cruised to victory, McLaren was left dealing with internal tension. A slow pit stop for Lando Norris allowed teammate Oscar Piastri to get ahead on track, even though Norris had been the quicker driver throughout the race. The team intervened, instructing Piastri to give the place back. After some hesitation, the Australian complied with the order, allowing Norris to retake the position.
Verstappen remains tight-lipped
The decision immediately sparked debate. In the FIA press conference, both Norris and Piastri were bombarded with questions about the incident. Verstappen, seated alongside them, appeared unfazed — leaning back in his chair and listening with little interest. When asked for his own opinion, he made it clear he wasn’t going to give a “fun answer,” stressing that it wasn’t his business.
“I wouldn’t have done it”
Yet after the formalities, Verstappen couldn’t resist hinting at his stance. Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ServusTV, the interviewer began by asking: “If you had been in Oscar Piastri’s shoes…” Verstappen cut in before the question was even finished: “Then I wouldn’t have done it.”
The interviewer replied that he had expected nothing less from the four-time world champion: “That’s what I thought, but I just wanted to hear you say it.” Verstappen confirmed once more with a short but firm response: “Yes.” Beyond that, he offered little commentary on McLaren’s handling of the situation.
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