Guenther Steiner urges McLaren to finally back Lando Norris: "How stubborn can you be?"

Guenther Steiner urges McLaren to finally back Lando Norris: "How stubborn can you be?"Story byMotorsport photoLydia MeeFri, November 28, 2025 at 1:14 PM UTC·4 min read

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has urged McLaren to back Lando Norris in the drivers' championship fight after the Woking outfit's double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Heading into the final two rounds of the season, Norris leads the standings by 24 points. His team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen sit equal on points behind the Briton.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

McLaren has maintained its approach of allowing its drivers to race fairly throughout the season. It has decided not to back one driver and instead adopt a 'may the best man win' mentality. This, understandably, has come under fire at times in the season and has again come into question as the threat of Verstappen increases.

"They must support him," Steiner argued during The Red Flags Podcast. "Otherwise, I mean, he hasn't got a chance. If Oscar steals the point from Lando, that would be... Wow. If Oscar is leading the race, Lando is second, and they don't let Lando pass, I would be shocked.

"How fair do you want to be? Knowing that Lando now has a lead, but it's not a comfortable lead for the animal coming, it's like, 'Wow, do we want to be eaten up by the animal, or do we try to help one guy?'"

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

He added in response to McLaren's current driver management philosophy: "How stubborn can you be?"

Lando Norris, McLaren

Lando Norris, McLaren

The former Haas chief also discussed Norris's bold, lunging move at the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, claiming that Verstappen "tricked" Norris into making the move. After starting from pole position, the McLaren driver quickly moved over to block Verstappen into Turn 1. However, he braked late and ran deep into the corner, allowing the four-time champion the opportunity to take the lead.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

"Max. He qualified second, but he tricked Lando into making a mistake on the start," Steiner explained. "He couldn't win the start, so he basically tricked him into making a mistake and Lando went for it."

Photos from Qatar GP - Practice

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

Alexander Albon, Williams

Alexander Albon, Williams

Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams

Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams

Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images via Getty Images

Rio Ferdinand arrives in the Paddock

Rio Ferdinand arrives in the Paddock

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images via Getty Images

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Zak Brown, McLaren

Zak Brown, McLaren

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Guido De Bortoli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

Adrian Newey, Managing Technical Partner of Aston Martin F1 walks in the Paddock

Adrian Newey, Managing Technical Partner of Aston Martin F1 walks in the Paddock

Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Williams

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Williams

Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images

Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Guido De Bortoli

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Guido De Bortoli

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Guido De Bortoli

 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

AdvertisementAdvertisement