Norris Open to McLaren Team Orders for Championship, Won't Ask
Lando Norris has indicated he would welcome McLaren team orders with Oscar Piastri to secure his F1 championship in Abu Dhabi, but insists he wouldn't request them. With a rare three-way title decider, Norris leads Max Verstappen and Piastri. While no team orders have been discussed, the hypothetical scenario of Piastri yielding position to Norris for the title adds a significant layer of strategic intrigue to the high-stakes final race.
Lando Norris has admitted he would "love it" if McLaren implemented team orders with Oscar Piastri to secure him the Formula 1 championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but emphasized he would not be the one to ask for such a directive. The championship-deciding race features a rare three-way title fight, with Norris currently holding a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen and a 16-point lead over teammate Piastri.
Why it matters:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the first F1 season finale with more than two title contenders in 15 years, creating a high-stakes scenario where every point, and every position, could determine the world champion. The prospect of McLaren using team orders to favor Norris highlights the intense pressure and strategic considerations at play as they aim for their first drivers' title since 2008.
The Details:
- Championship Scenario: Norris needs a podium finish on Sunday to clinch the title, even if rivals Verstappen and Piastri finish first and second respectively. This gives him a strong, yet not unassailable, position.
- Hypothetical Team Order: A key scenario being debated is if Verstappen were leading, Piastri running third, and Norris fourth. In this situation, Verstappen would win the title. However, if Piastri were to cede his position to Norris, Norris would then claim the championship by two points.
- Norris's Stance: While Norris expressed his desire for such an outcome, he stated, "I don't think I would ask it because... I don't know." He believes the decision would rest with Piastri and the team, adding that he would personally be willing to do the same if the roles were reversed due to his own competitive nature.
- Piastri's View: Piastri confirmed that team orders had not been discussed. He indicated he would only know his stance once the team had clearly communicated their expectations for the race.
- McLaren's Silence: Both drivers confirmed that McLaren has not engaged in any discussions regarding team orders ahead of the crucial race.
The Big Picture:
This championship decider underscores the complexities of team dynamics in a multi-driver title fight. While team orders are often a contentious topic in Formula 1, they become a critical strategic consideration when a championship is on the line, particularly when two teammates are vying for positions that could influence the title outcome for one of them. McLaren's approach to this delicate situation could define their season.
What's next:
The 2025 F1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race weekend will reveal whether McLaren chooses to implement any strategic directives or if the drivers will be left to race freely, potentially adding another layer of drama to an already thrilling title fight. All eyes will be on how the team and its drivers navigate the high-pressure environment of the final race.