It’s been eons since I saw that movie. I remember being baffled that after McQueen had his wreck, (not long before the end of the race), the driver of the team’s other Porsche, had to give it to Steve. I thought that was weird.
The Team Manager put the driver he thought was best in the car.
If I remember right, McQueen doesn’t win the race, but ties up the Ferrari so Porsche can win.
Team Manager saw McQueen as a team player.