Norris Puts Piastri Under Spotlight Over McLaren Team Orders in Title Race

Lando Norris has indicated he would play the team game if roles were reversed in the F1 title fight, but he won't ask Oscar Piastri to support his championship bid, stating it's 'up to Oscar.' Piastri, for his part, remains unsure of his actions until faced with the hypothetical scenario.

Why it matters:

McLaren finds itself in a tight three-way championship battle involving both its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, alongside Red Bull's Max Verstappen. As the Abu Dhabi finale approaches, the question of team orders looms large, potentially deciding not only the drivers' championship but also the constructors' for McLaren. The team's long-standing 'fair racing' policy is now being tested at a critical juncture.

The Details:

• Driver Standings: Heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi, Norris leads Piastri by 16 points. Max Verstappen, after a late-season surge, is just 12 points behind Norris and 4 points ahead of Piastri, intensifying the battle.
• Verstappen's Surge: Verstappen has been in formidable form, securing nine successive podiums, including five Grand Prix wins, transforming the championship picture.
• McLaren's Stance on Team Orders: Team Principal Andrea Stella has stated McLaren will allow its drivers to race each other, but the primary goal is to ensure one of their drivers beats Verstappen. This implies a strategic flexibility without explicit pre-race orders.
• Norris's View: Norris hasn't discussed team orders with Piastri or the team. While he 'would love' support, he feels it's 'up to Oscar' and wouldn't ask for it, believing it's not a 'fair question.' He personally believes he would sacrifice his own race if the situation were reversed.
• Piastri's View: Piastri confirms team orders haven't been discussed and states he doesn't have an answer until he knows what would be 'expected of me.'

The Big Picture:

McLaren's philosophy of allowing drivers to race has been a hallmark of their recent resurgence. However, with the championship on the line, this policy faces its biggest test. A complex scenario could unfold where both McLaren drivers might need to balance their individual ambitions with the team's ultimate goal of securing a championship against a resurgent Verstappen. The outcome of this internal dynamic could significantly influence the final championship standings.

What's next:

The F1 2025 title will be decided at the Abu Dhabi finale. All eyes will be on how McLaren manages its two drivers in a direct fight with Max Verstappen. The team's handling of this high-pressure situation, particularly regarding team orders or strategic calls, will be a major storyline. The decision will ultimately rest on whether McLaren prioritizes a team championship over individual driver aspirations, or if their long-held 'fairness' policy will prevail until the very end, potentially creating a thrilling, yet risky, three-way shootout.