McLaren Denies Team Orders Despite Verstappen's Title Threat After Vegas Disqualification

McLaren has definitively stated it will not implement team orders in the remaining two rounds of the 2025 F1 season, even as Max Verstappen significantly closes the gap in the drivers' championship following a double disqualification for the team in Las Vegas. This decision underscores McLaren's confidence in its drivers and its commitment to fair competition, despite the heightened pressure.

Why it matters:

After a strong season that saw McLaren secure the constructors' championship, the fight for the drivers' title has become intensely competitive. Max Verstappen's strong performance and McLaren's recent setback mean the championship battle is now much tighter, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion without internal team interference.

The details:

• Vegas Disqualification: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear, costing McLaren crucial points.
• Verstappen's Gain: Max Verstappen capitalized on this, winning in Las Vegas and narrowing the points gap. He is now level on points with Oscar Piastri and only 24 points behind championship leader Lando Norris.
• No Team Orders: Team Principal Andrea Stella explicitly stated, "No, there is no reason to do so." He emphasized that McLaren will allow both drivers to compete for the final victory as long as the mathematics permits.
• Championship Confidence: Stella expressed confidence in McLaren's position, noting that at the start of the season, the team would have gladly accepted being in contention for the double world championship with two races remaining.
• Constructors' Success: McLaren has already secured the constructors' championship, achieving this feat in Singapore several races ago.
• Culture of Progress: Stella highlighted McLaren's "no blame culture" following the disqualification, emphasizing that the team is focused on learning from setbacks and emerging stronger.

What's next:

With only two rounds left in the 2025 F1 season, the drivers' championship remains wide open. McLaren's commitment to letting Norris and Piastri race freely means the battle will be decided purely on track performance.

• The team will be focused on providing "the best possible car" to both drivers in Qatar, aiming for a strong comeback.
• The championship will likely go down to the wire, with Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri all in contention, promising an exciting climax to the season.