Piastri open to helping Norris in Abu Dhabi title decider, but 'it's not the easiest decision'
McLaren's Oscar Piastri says he would consider letting teammate Lando Norris past if it helps the team's championship bid in Abu Dhabi, but emphasizes his own slim title hopes are still alive until the checkered flag falls.
Oscar Piastri has signaled he would be willing to assist McLaren teammate Lando Norris's championship charge at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but only after careful discussion and with the acknowledgment that his own outside title shot remains mathematically possible. Starting third, Piastri finds himself directly behind title rivals Norris and Max Verstappen, placing him in a pivotal strategic position for the season finale.
Why it matters:
Piastri's stance highlights the complex team dynamics at play in a championship decider. While Norris is McLaren's primary contender, Piastri's own competitive position and the potential for intra-team friction require delicate handling. His willingness to cooperate, albeit conditionally, could be crucial if the race evolves into a strategic battle where team orders become necessary to maximize the team's championship outcome.
The details:
- Piastri confirmed post-qualifying that no direct team orders have been discussed yet, but that a pre-race discussion is planned.
- He firmly stated that his own championship bid is not over, noting, "until either Max or Lando cross the line ahead of me then I'm still in the running."
- When asked directly if he would move aside, Piastri replied, "Definitely, yeah. It's obviously not the easiest decision for anybody but, again, we'll discuss it before the race."
- The Australian driver also has a strategic view of the start, positioned directly behind the two title fighters, and acknowledged the potential for "sparks" between Norris and Verstappen at Turn 1 that could reshape the race.
What's next:
All eyes will be on McLaren's radio communications and Piastri's on-track actions. The team must navigate the fine line between supporting Norris's title challenge and respecting Piastri's race and his own fading championship hopes. The opening lap and any safety car interventions will likely dictate whether team strategy becomes a decisive factor, forcing Piastri and McLaren to make that "not the easiest decision" in real time.