After every Formula 1 race, driver Jeroen Bleekemolen shares his observations in an exclusive column for Formule1.nl. Who or what caught his attention, what went well, and what needs to change? This time: how often Max Verstappen can still win after his glorious victory in Italy. And: why Jeroen quite understands why McLaren let Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris switch places…
What a race, what a result. But before I write anything about Max Verstappen, let’s first talk about McLaren: I didn’t find it strange at all that they decided to let Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris switch places after the latter’s failed pit stop.
This has been a topic of discussion both inside and outside the paddock. And I totally get it. But I also understand why McLaren acted the way they did. Especially when you look at last season, what happened in Hungary. There, Norris had to give up his place to Piastri, who benefited from it in the form of a victory. Such things play a role.
Error
Moreover, what happened was very unfortunate. That the mechanic with the wheelgun made a mistake can happen. But Norris was already ahead of Piastri, so it’s fair that McLaren then decides that Norris should finish ahead of him. And yes, I understand the people who are now shouting: ‘That’s not racing!’ But don’t forget: this fits within McLaren’s strategy. They want to do it this way and they do, in consultation with both drivers. And admit it: it was indeed the fairest choice.
Would this be the case in the last two races, for example, if the difference in the World Championship is small and the title is at stake? No, but it doesn’t have to go that far – in that case, you should make clear agreements in advance for the last few races. And if not, well, then as Piastri, you should pull the plug on the radio. I wouldn’t let anyone pass me then.
Hope, but No Certainty
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen was busy with other things, namely dominating. The fear that Norris would drive away after giving back the lead thankfully proved unfounded. Max drove flawlessly, as good as ever. It’s great that he was already doing well on Friday, that the team listens to his input, and that the foundation proved to be good as a result. Because then you can fine-tune and really make strides for the rest of the weekend. The fact that things were really not going well before the summer break was perhaps a blessing in retrospect; it makes you more inclined as a team to get to work and try different things.
You could see how good the car was this weekend. That offers hope for more success in the remainder of this season. But, I add immediately, it does not mean that Red Bull and Max will suddenly be fast everywhere. That will continue to depend heavily on the circuit. This victory is no less impressive for it. And it certainly won’t be the last of 2025.
