Three-time defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said that Oscar Piastri is "too good" to be only a number two driver at McLaren and play the supporting role to his team-mate Lando Norris, who's fighting for this season's title.

"For me, he's definitely not a (number two driver) and if I was him I would never accept it," the Red Bull driver told the news portal motorsport.com on Thursday.

"For me, it's easy to talk, of course, because I've been in F1 for 10 years and it's Oscar's second season, so it is always harder to put your foot down.

"But he's just a great F1 driver who doesn't deserve it to give up wins and positions and play second fiddle because he's asked to," Verstappen added.

McLaren have recently decided to give Norris priority whenever the on-track situation calls for it after previously sticking to their general approach of having to equal drivers.

Norris is currently 52 points ahead of championship leader Verstappen ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix and with six races left this year.