McLaren used team orders on several occasions last season as it tried to manage a close title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, giving both drivers what the team described as equal opportunities.
While the approach was designed to be fair, it also led to controversy.
One of the most talked-about moments came at Monza, where Piastri was instructed to move aside and hand his position to Norris after Norris had lost time due to a slow pit stop. The decision drew attention across the paddock, with Verstappen openly questioning it over team radio at the time.
Asked whether he would have complied with similar orders, Verstappen was blunt in his response when speaking to Blick.
“Definitely not,” he said. “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 went on to finish the season just two points behind championship winner Norris after a strong late surge, with several key moments highlighted as costly in the title battle. One of those came in Qatar, when a mistake by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli allowed Norris through late in the race for vital extra points.
Despite the significance of the incident, Verstappen said he held no resentment.
“Unfortunately, Kimi made a mistake there that ended up playing a big role,” Verstappen explained. “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.”
The comments underlined Verstappen’s belief that championships should be decided on track, not by team instructions, even when the stakes are at their highest.
