Brundle Urges McLaren to Risk 'Nuclear Fallout' with Abu Dhabi Team Orders
Martin Brundle has urged McLaren to consider implementing team orders in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to secure the drivers' championship for Lando Norris. With Norris leading and Oscar Piastri also in contention, Brundle believes the team should risk "nuclear fallout" to prioritize the title, despite their long-standing free-racing policy, especially given recent team setbacks.
Former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle believes McLaren faces a dilemma regarding team orders for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, arguing they are "damned if they do, damned if they don't." Heading into the season finale, Lando Norris holds a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri just four points behind Verstappen, keeping the championship within reach for all three.
Why it matters:
McLaren's long-standing policy of allowing its drivers to race freely has come under scrutiny, particularly with the drivers' championship on the line. Brundle's strong recommendation to implement team orders underscores the immense pressure on the Woking outfit to secure a drivers' title, a feat that would cap a remarkable season for the team and validate their significant progress.
The Details:
- Championship Stakes: Lando Norris is currently leading the drivers' standings, 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen. Oscar Piastri is in third, only four points behind Verstappen, meaning all three drivers still have a mathematical chance at the title.
- McLaren's Dilemma: Brundle suggests McLaren should prioritize winning the drivers' championship, even if it means dealing with the "nuclear fallout of moving cars around" through team orders. He argues that the team, which invests 400 million pounds annually and won the constructors' championship, must aim for the drivers' title.
- Hypothetical Scenarios: Brundle presented a scenario where Piastri might be asked to cede a position to Norris if it were crucial for Norris to win the championship. He specifically mentioned giving up a podium spot to ensure Norris claims the title.
- Recent Setbacks: Brundle highlighted McLaren's recent "horror movie" moments, including Norris's disqualification in Las Vegas and tactical errors in Qatar, emphasizing that every point counts towards the overall season outcome.
- Team Status: Despite the championship implications, Brundle noted that all three drivers (Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri) have delivered spectacular victories this season and would be worthy world champions.
What's next:
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has indicated that the team would consider enforcing team orders if the championship situation warranted it, confirming a pragmatic approach to the season finale. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises a dramatic conclusion to the F1 season, with the championship hanging in the balance for three deserving drivers. Brundle's call for decisive action reflects the high stakes and the team's ultimate goal to secure the drivers' crown.