Verstappen offers Piastri boost after McLaren team orders decision

Max Verstappen has offered Oscar Piastri a welcome boost following McLaren boss Andrea Stella's decision to impose team orders on his drivers for the rest of the season.

Following the 'papaya rules' furore that unfolded in the recent Italian Grand Prix that effectively cost the team a one-two finish, Stella has determined that Piastri will now support Lando Norris in the Briton's fight with Verstappen for this season's drivers' title.

McLaren has not won a drivers' championship since Lewis Hamilton won the first of his seven titles in 2008.

As to whether there was any disappointment from his perspective following McLaren's decision, Red Bull driver Verstappen, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, said: "I'm not disappointed. At the end of the day, they do what they want. It's not my problem, and I have my own problems at the moment.

"Of course, from Oscar's side, he's closer to Lando than Lando is to me in the championship, but it's something they have to deal with."

Piastri 'not a number two' - Verstappen

Verstappen goes into Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a 62-point cushion over Norris, with Piastri a further 44 adrift.

With eight grands prix remaining, plus three sprints, there are a total of 232 points still available. For McLaren, Norris naturally represents the best option for the team if they are to put their eggs in one basket at this stage.

Verstappen, though, has defended Piastri's position after being asked whether he was surprised it had taken McLaren until now to make its call.

"No, because they've never really been that far apart anyway, in the championship as well," said Verstappen.

"And also, from Oscar's side, you come in as a number one driver - both of them - I don't think Oscar is the type of driver that needs to be labelled as number two anyway."