McLaren Confirms Team Orders for Abu Dhabi Title Decider
McLaren has announced it will use team orders in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if it helps secure the Drivers' Championship. With Lando Norris leading and Oscar Piastri still in contention, CEO Zak Brown confirmed the team's priority is the title, moving past their usual stance on driver fairness to maximize their chances in the three-way fight.
McLaren has confirmed it will implement team orders in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if necessary to secure the Drivers' Championship. Lando Norris currently leads Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri 16 points behind Norris, setting up a tense three-way title fight.
Why it matters:
McLaren's clear stance on team orders underscores the immense pressure and strategic thinking required in a championship decider. With the Constructors' Championship already secured, the team's sole focus shifts to capturing the Drivers' title, a prize that would cap off a remarkable season for the Woking-based outfit and mark a significant achievement for either Norris or Piastri.
The details:
- Championship Stakes: Lando Norris needs a podium finish to guarantee his first Drivers' Championship, but the close points spread means McLaren is preparing for all possible race scenarios.
- Zak Brown's Confirmation: McLaren CEO Zak Brown explicitly stated to Sky Sports F1 that the team "will do what we can to win the drivers' championship" if one driver emerges as the clear contender during the race.
- Fairness vs. Priority: While McLaren has maintained a long-held stance on driver fairness, Brown emphasized that the championship takes precedence now that the Constructors' title is secured. He stated, "It's a team sport, right? So, we're trying to win the constructors' as a team and we're trying to win the drivers' as a team."
- Hypothetical Scenario: A commonly discussed situation involves Piastri running ahead of Norris, with the Australian mathematically out of title contention. In this case, a position swap would protect Norris's championship hopes against rival Max Verstappen.
- Driver Alignment: Brown noted that both Norris and Piastri are team players and would prefer the title to remain within the team, with each willing to support the other if their own chances diminish.
What's next:
The implementation of team orders, if required, will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The focus now shifts to qualifying to see how the grid lines up, which will heavily influence the strategic decisions McLaren will need to make during the race. The final race of the season promises high drama as McLaren aims to convert its strong performance into a coveted Drivers' Championship.