Max Verstappen officially spoke out about the rumors and the internal war within McLaren during the press conference for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of America. The entire McLaren team was speechless.
Austin, Texas – In the vibrant atmosphere of the Circuit of the Americas, where Formula 1 fans are eagerly awaiting a weekend full of spectacle, Max Verstappen has detonated a bomb. During the official press conference on Thursday morning, just before training for the United States Grand Prix, the Dutch four-time world champion was confronted with the hot issues surrounding McLaren. Rumors of an ‘internal war’ between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and accusations of favoritism within the British team, had been in the air for weeks. Verstappen, never afraid to give his opinion, chose to speak out officially. The result? A silence that echoed through the press room, and a McLaren team that insiders said was in complete disarray.
The press conference started off routine enough. Verstappen shared the table with Lewis Hamilton and young Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto, while Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies later joined the team leaders meeting. The moderator fired the first questions about the upcoming sprint qualifying and the challenging layout of the circuit, with its iconic bends and hills. But attention soon shifted to McLaren, the team that appears to be threatening Red Bull’s dominance in the hunt for the constructors’ championship this season. Journalists had done their homework: tensions within McLaren flared after the Singapore Grand Prix, where Norris and Piastri clashed in a duel that was full of frustration. Piastri, the Australian who garners admiration for his calm approach, openly expressed his dissatisfaction with team orders that seem to favor Norris. Former champion Mario Andretti had recently sparked the debate by claiming that McLaren is ‘favoring’ Norris at the expense of Piastri’s potential.
“I appreciate Piastri for his perseverance,” Verstappen began, with a grin that underlined his reputation as a keen observer. “But it seems that for some reason – I don’t know why – McLaren prefers Lando Norris. I heard something, yes. And that’s not nothing.” The room fell silent. Verstappen, who normally navigates such waters diplomatically, opted for direct language. He was referring to the internal memos and radio conversations that have been leaked, in which McLaren leader Andrea Stella struggles with the balance between his two stars. Norris, the British favorite who is chasing his first title this year, will receive more strategic support, according to sources, while Piastri – who took pole in Singapore but later had to make way – feels disadvantaged. “It’s their problem, not mine,” Verstappen continued dryly. “But when you’re fighting for a championship, you have to treat your drivers equally. Otherwise you’ll lose them both.”
Outside the press room, the news reached McLaren like wildfire. Zak Brown, the team’s CEO, was in a meeting with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff when his phone rang. Insiders report that the entire team was ‘speechless’ – an understatement in a paddock where words are rarely at a premium. Piastri, who had his own session later in the day, responded curtly: “Unless you know all the details, it’s difficult to judge. That remains internal, and that’s a good thing.” Normally vocal in his defense, Norris opted for silence. A source within McLaren whispered: “Max is hitting a nerve. We are stronger than ever, but comments like this are sowing doubt at the wrong time.” The team, which still leads the constructors’ standings but struggles with inconsistent pit stops and team orders, fears the rumors will undermine their momentum. Guenther Steiner, ex-Haas team boss, warned: “McLaren’s dream season could quickly turn into a nightmare if they don’t address this.”
For Verstappen, who is fighting to extend his title in the driver’s position, this statement comes at a crucial time. Red Bull has made gains in recent races; Verstappen finished second in Singapore and is nibbling at Norris’ lead. “I don’t look at others,” he said earlier this week in an interview with De Telegraaf. “If someone has their eye on me, that’s their problem.” But in Austin he showed that he is paying attention. His comment fuels speculation: could this be a psychological blow against his rivals? The McLaren drivers, who often get in each other’s way in qualifying, seem more vulnerable than ever. Norris admitted that the pressure is increasing: “We are a team, but racing is hard.” Piastri, on the other hand, is winning sympathy for his patience, but the Singapore clash – where he blamed Norris for a reckless overtaking attempt – has widened the gap.
The weekend in Texas promises fireworks. Saturday’s sprint could shake up the title race, and with Verstappen in form and McLaren under pressure, every meter on the circuit is crucial. The FIA keeps an eye on things; stewards have already warned against aggressive driving. Hamilton, who shared the press conference with Verstappen, laughed it off: “Max always says what he thinks. That keeps it interesting.” But for McLaren it feels like a wake-up call. Brown later emphasized: “We are not changing our approach. Equal opportunity, that is our principle.” Still, the question gnaws: how long will they last once the points dry up?
Verstappen’s words echo in the paddock. In a sport where alliances are fragile and rivalries legendary, the Dutchman has once again proven that he reigns not only on the court, but also in the minds of his competitors. Whether this escalates the ‘internal war’ at McLaren into a rupture remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the American Grand Prix will not only be decided on asphalt, but also in the shadow of rumors and tensions. While the engines roar, the real battle continues to rage behind the scenes.