Norris 'Would Love' Team Orders in Championship Decider

Lando Norris is open to team orders at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but doesn't expect McLaren to implement them, as he enters a tight three-way championship battle against Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. With permutations potentially favoring Verstappen if Piastri runs ahead of Norris, the discussion around tactical team plays has intensified ahead of the season finale.

Why it matters:

This year's Formula 1 season culminates in the first three-way championship decider since 2010, involving Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri. The prospect of team orders could critically influence the outcome, adding a layer of strategic intrigue and ethical debate to an already thrilling conclusion.

The details:

• Championship Stakes: Norris currently holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen and a 16-point lead over Piastri. A scenario where Verstappen leads, Piastri is third, and Norris fourth would see Verstappen claim his fifth world title, unless McLaren intervenes with team orders.
• Norris's Stance: While Norris stated he "would love" team orders, he would not actively request them. He believes it's up to Piastri whether to comply, noting that he personally would move aside if the roles were reversed. "I don't think it's necessarily a fair question to ask," he added.
• Piastri's View: Piastri remains neutral, stating, "It's not something we've discussed," and that he doesn't "really have an answer until I know what's expected of me."
• Verstappen's Perspective: Verstappen believes team orders would be "quite normal" and logical in such a championship-deciding scenario. "If I had to win the championship with a teammate helping out, it's better to win it," he commented.
• Russell's Opinion: Mercedes driver George Russell argues against team orders in this specific situation, emphasizing that both McLaren drivers, being in championship contention, should be allowed to race. He distinguished this from scenarios where one driver is clearly not a title contender.

The big picture:

The F1 championship decider often brings strategic complexities, but a three-way fight with two teammates involved amplifies the pressure on McLaren. Balancing individual driver ambitions with team championship goals becomes a high-wire act, particularly when an opponent is poised to capitalize on any internal hesitation.

What's next:

Norris reports feeling "relaxed" ahead of the weekend, not allowing the championship pressure to affect him until directly questioned. The McLaren camp will need to navigate this delicate situation carefully, and their decision on team orders—or lack thereof—will be a defining moment of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The focus remains on pure racing until any official directive from the team is made clear.