McLaren in a dilemma

Number 1 dilemma: “It’s brutal, but …”

McLaren also wants to seize the chance of the drivers' crown with team orders. Norris is 62 points behind Verstappen ahead of the GP in Baku.

Red Bull Racing is struggling with problems and is still searching for the right balance in the RB20. However, they hope to take a step in the right direction this weekend in Baku. But times are getting tougher.

"Make better use of opportunities"
After the race in Monza, Head of Motorsport Dr. Helmut Marko said with a gentle smile on his face, "I would like to thank McLaren for their sporting spirit (Oscar Piastri finished second ahead of Lando Norris; editor's note). I appreciate that and it makes our situation a little better." The "Papayas" are getting serious ahead of the last eight races of the season and are issuing a team order. "Max Verstappen knows that the car he is currently driving presents him with some challenges. But we have to get better at taking advantage of the opportunities that Red Bull is offering us at the moment. Of course, it's brutal to select a number one driver, but if we want to be in contention for the driver's crown, we have to go for the better-placed driver now," said Team Principal Andrea Stella.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella(Bild: GEPA)

And that is Lando Norris, who is 62 points behind Verstappen. If Norris and his team had done a better job in many races since the triumph in Miami, Red Bull's world champion would probably already be feeling Lando's ice-cold breath ...