Verstappen stunned by McLaren situation: 'He needs to slam his fist on the table'

08:45, 06 Nov

Updated: 10:07, 06 Nov

byNicole Mulder

Jos Verstappen is watching the developments at McLaren with awe, as Oscar Piastri has lost significant ground in the title fight in recent weeks.

For a long time, Piastri seemed to hold the best cards for the world title in the current F1 season, but since Lando Norris has taken the upper hand, the situation has completely flipped.

Verstappen doesn’t understand why the Australian — or his manager Mark Webber — hasn’t slammed a fist on the table at McLaren.

"If I were him, or his manager, I’d bang my fist on the table internally at least once"

- Jos Verstappen on Oscar Piastri

“I find what’s happening at McLaren quite odd,” says Verstappen Sr. in conversation with De Telegraaf.

“Piastri can’t have suddenly forgotten how to drive, right? If I were him, or his manager, I’d definitely slam my fist on the table internally. Because now everyone is wondering whether he can handle the pressure. And that’s not good for your own reputation — Piastri’s in this case — either.”

Jos and Max Verstappen arrive in the paddock - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Jos Verstappen: 'Piastri needs to stand up for himself'

There has been speculation for some time that Lando Norris may have a preferential treatment within McLaren, partly due to his close relationship with CEO Zak Brown.

The team itself denies that suggestion. Verstappen understands where the speculation comes from, but says it’s not his place to pass judgment. He does believe Piastri needs to make his voice heard within the team.

“It maybe automatically smells like that, but it's not visibility for me,” says Jos about Norris’ alleged preferential treatment within the Woking team.

“But if I were Piastri, I would push back now. Everyone assumed he was going to become champion, and that perception has turned very quickly.”

GPblog’s Latest F1 Paddock Update

Want the inside scoop from the F1 paddock? GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update has you covered. Subscribe to their YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.