MAX VERSTAPPEN says he would tell McLaren and their team orders to “F off” if he was Oscar Piastri.
The Dutchman also said McLaren‘s decision not to impose team orders on the Aussie driver is “perfect” for him.
The four-time world champion is still in the title fight and was left licking his lips at the double disqualification of Lando Norris and Piastri in Las Vegas last time out.
It left Verstappen level with the Aussie driver on 366 points and 24 behind Norris as opposed to the 42 prior to the disqualification.
In Qatar this weekend Norris can be crowned champion if he out-scores Piastri and Verstappen by two points, or one if he wins the main grand prix.
McLaren have decided not to impose team orders on Piastri, who revealed brief talks had taken place before McLaren decided to let both fight on, despite the threat of Verstappen.
Asked about McLaren’s decision not to impose team orders on Piastri, Verstappen said: “It is perfect,
“You can’t do a better job than allowing them to race, because why would you suddenly now say that Oscar wouldn’t be allowed anymore [to race Norris]?
“If that was said to me, I would not have rocked up, I would have told them to f-off.
“If you’re a real winner and a racer as a driver, then you go for it, even if you are behind, I mean, otherwise, what is the point in turning up?
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“Otherwise, you can just easily label yourself as a number two driver, which I think [Piastri] does not want to be.
“Then for me, I know that I am equal on points with Oscar, and a lot still needs to go right, but I think it should be like that, that they are free to race, and hopefully, we can make it a great battle until the end.”
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There have been wild conspiracies swirling about McLaren favouring Norris in the push towards world championship glory.
They intensified when Piastri was told to give second place back to Norris in Monza after a slow pit stop for the Brit.
Team boss Zak Brown has insisted the team doesn’t have a number one driver.
But Piastri revealed he was asked about the possibility of helping Norris secure the title ahead of Qatar.
He said: “We’ve had a very brief discussion and the answer is no.”
“I’m still equal on points with Max and got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way.
“That’s how we play it.”
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