Horner: McLaren’s equal driver status hindered competition with Verstappen

Red Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner highlighted how McLaren’s equal driver status policy between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri complicated their efforts to challenge Max Verstappen at Suzuka Circuit.

McLaren faced a strategic dilemma when Piastri requested a position swap to attempt challenging Verstappen, but the request was denied. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella emphasized — there was no clear evidence that Piastri was faster than Norris in that situation.

Horner acknowledged McLaren’s advantage of having two competitive cars — something Red Bull hasn’t achieved yet with Yuki Tsunoda. However, he noted — the equal status approach limited team strategy options, particularly when responding to pressure from behind with Piastri’s pit stop.

“Their problem is having two drivers competing for the championship,” Horner stated. “They’ve chosen to let them race — this naturally comes with its own consequences.”

Verstappen maintained his lead throughout all 53 laps without making mistakes, keeping a safe distance from both McLarens behind.

Horner mentioned — 90% of cars finished in their starting positions—with low tire degradation turning the race into a sprint-like event.