Max Verstappen scoffs at 'sell your soul' McLaren team orders

Max Verstappen has asserted he would not have complied with McLaren's team orders last year, stating that to do so is to “sell your soul”.

McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were embroiled in a title fight last year as the team ensured both drivers had equal opportunity to win the championship.

However, there were some controversial moments along the way - including at Monza, where Piastri was ordered to pull over and hand his position to Norris, who had lost out following a slow pit stop.

Verstappen expressed his amazement at the order at the time over team radio.

When asked if he would have bowed to such orders, Verstappen told Blick: “Definitely not. 

“If you do that once without a clear reason, you sell your soul. 

“The team can then do whatever it wants with you. And let's not forget: Piastri was in the middle of the title fight.”

Verstappen ended the year just two points down on title winner Lando Norris following a strong late-season surge.

Various incidents throughout the year were mentioned as moments the championship slipped away from Verstappen.

This included a mistake from Kimi Antonelli in Qatar, which allowed Norris through for position late on for crucial extra points.

Verstappen, however, holds no grudge against the Mercedes driver.

“Unfortunately, Kimi made a mistake there that ended up playing a big role,” he said.

“But mistakes are part of our sport. Especially when you're fighting at the limit and an opponent in the best car is right behind you. 

“It's a shame that Kimi slid too far out under pressure. But that can happen. I'm not angry about it.”