McLaren Confirms Team Orders to Secure F1 Driver's Title Against Verstappen

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed the team is prepared to use team orders at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to ensure either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri wins the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, preventing Max Verstappen from taking the title. With Norris currently leading Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri four points further back, all three drivers remain in contention for the championship in the season finale.

Why it matters:

McLaren's decisive stance on team orders signals a fierce determination to win the Drivers' Championship, a title they haven't secured since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. This move could significantly influence the outcome of a thrilling three-way championship battle, potentially sparking controversy but prioritizing the team's ultimate goal over individual ambitions.

The Details:

• Championship Scenario: Lando Norris leads the standings with 12 points over Max Verstappen, while Oscar Piastri is four points behind Norris. All three can mathematically win the championship.
• Team Order Confirmation: In an exclusive interview, Zak Brown confirmed McLaren would instruct a driver to yield to their teammate if it becomes clear that one has a better chance of winning the Drivers' Championship.
• Driver Reactions: Norris stated he would 'love' to receive help from Piastri, though he wouldn't explicitly ask for it. Piastri acknowledged no direct discussions had taken place but awaited team expectations.
• Precedent for Team Orders: Brown cited previous instances in 2024 Sprint races (Sao Paulo and Qatar) where McLaren drivers followed team orders, highlighting a team-first philosophy.
• No Backlash Concerns: Brown expressed no concerns about potential backlash, emphasizing that F1 is a team sport where drivers make sacrifices for the collective good.

The Big Picture:

This championship decider marks a rare occasion with three drivers from two different teams vying for the title on the final weekend. McLaren's willingness to use team orders underscores the immense pressure and high stakes involved. The team's strategy is clear: secure the Drivers' Championship, regardless of how it's achieved, to cap off what has been a remarkable season for the Woking-based outfit.

What's next:

The 2025 F1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the championship will be decided. All eyes will be on McLaren's strategy and how Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen perform under immense pressure. The implementation of team orders, if it occurs, will undoubtedly be a major talking point post-race, shaping discussions around sporting integrity versus championship ambition.