McLaren say they will use team orders to help Lando Norris secure the Formula 1 world title in Abu Dhabi — but only if Oscar Piastri is no longer able to win the championship himself.
The team have allowed both drivers to race freely all season, giving each a fair shot at their first F1 crown. But heading into the final race at Yas Marina, Norris leads Piastri by 16 points, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sitting between them, 12 points behind the Briton.
“As long as both drivers still have a chance to win the title, it’s business as usual,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “If it becomes clear during the race that only one can still win it, we’ll do what we can to help the team win the drivers’ championship.”
Brown said McLaren would apply “common sense” and not risk losing the championship over minor positions if Piastri no longer had a path to the title.
Several race scenarios could require Piastri to move aside for Norris. The most obvious is if Verstappen is leading, Piastri is in the top three and Norris is running fourth. In that case, Norris would need to finish third to seal the title.
Another scenario could involve Norris running eighth, Verstappen second, and Piastri positioned between them — again making team orders crucial.
Brown said he is confident Piastri would follow instructions: “Our drivers have always complied with team wishes, just as we support theirs. I’ve no doubt they’ll continue to act in the best interests of the team.”
Norris, however, said he wouldn’t personally ask Piastri to move aside, calling it an unfair question for a teammate.
