McLaren to Discuss Team Orders for Season Finale in Abu Dhabi
McLaren will discuss team orders with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Norris holds a 12-point lead in the Drivers' Championship. Team Principal Andrea Stella stressed fairness and integrity, indicating that team orders would only be considered if crucial for one driver to secure the title, while also acknowledging Piastri's mathematical chance and historical precedents in F1 title deciders.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed the team will hold discussions with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri regarding potential team orders for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris currently holds a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship, with Piastri still mathematically in contention.
Why it matters:
With a tight three-way battle for the Drivers' Championship, McLaren's stance on team orders could be pivotal. While Norris is in the strongest position, scenarios exist where Piastri's support might be crucial for McLaren to secure the title. The team's commitment to fairness and integrity, while also aiming for championship glory, presents a delicate balancing act.
The details:
- Championship Stakes: Lando Norris leads the Drivers' Championship by 12 points. Oscar Piastri, though less likely, remains mathematically in contention.
- Norris's Path to Title: A podium finish for Norris guarantees him the world championship, regardless of his rivals' results.
- Team Philosophy: Andrea Stella emphasized McLaren's foundational principles: fairness to drivers, racing with integrity, and avoiding surprises for their drivers.
- Pre-Race Discussions: Further conversations with Norris and Piastri will take place before Abu Dhabi to confirm the team's racing approach.
- No Exclusion Policy: Stella stated that no driver will be excluded from contention if they are in a position to win the title themselves. The team will only consider team orders if one driver needs help from the other to win the championship.
- Historical Context: Stella, having witnessed F1 title deciders in 2007, 2010, and 2012, is wary of the third-placed driver unexpectedly winning the championship, as happened in 2007 and 2010. This history fuels his caution and his continued backing for Piastri.
- Team's Primary Goal: McLaren's main objective is to beat Max Verstappen with one of their two drivers, focusing on executing a perfect race weekend after recent strategic errors.
What's next:
McLaren's internal discussions will clarify their strategy for the high-stakes Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The team aims to maintain its principles of fair racing while maximizing its chances of clinching the Drivers' Championship. The outcome of these talks will set the stage for a thrilling season finale, where every point and every position will count.