Russell: McLaren Should Not Ask Piastri to Help Norris in F1 Title Decider

George Russell has stated that it would be "unacceptable or unreasonable" for McLaren to ask Oscar Piastri to cede position to Lando Norris in the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, even if it meant helping Norris secure the world championship. With Norris leading Max Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri a further four points back, all three drivers are still in contention for the title.

Why it matters:

This championship decider introduces a rare three-way battle, intensifying the team dynamic at McLaren. The question of team orders in such a close title fight highlights the delicate balance between individual driver ambition and team objectives, potentially dictating the outcome of a thrilling F1 season.

The Details:

• Three-Way Title Fight: Lando Norris (McLaren) leads the championship by 12 points over Max Verstappen (Red Bull), with Oscar Piastri (McLaren) just four points behind Norris. All three drivers can mathematically win the title in Abu Dhabi.
• Russell's Stance on Team Orders: Mercedes driver George Russell argued against team orders, stating, "I don't think it's acceptable or reasonable to ask a driver who's also in with a shot of a championship in the very last race to move over for your team-mate."
  • He contrasted this with scenarios where one driver is clearly out of contention (e.g., Sergio Perez for Max Verstappen, or Rubens Barrichello for Michael Schumacher), in which case team orders would be "absolutely reasonable."
• Hamilton on Being the 'Hunted': Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton commented on the psychological pressure Norris might face, saying, "It's always way easier being the hunter... When you're defending it's much, much harder."
  • Hamilton notably declined to offer advice to his competitor, humorously stating, "I'd probably be telling them fibs."
• Alonso on Mind Games: Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, anticipates "a little bit of games" and mind games among the contenders, observing their body language and media comments to apply pressure.
  • He referenced the recent back-and-forth between Verstappen and Norris, where Verstappen claimed he'd have "easily" won the title in a McLaren, a claim Norris dismissed as "nonsense."
  • Alonso also quipped about the best driver not always winning the title, stating, "This has been happening for the last 19 years now. So, it will be the 20th."

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the crucible for these championship contenders. The outcome will not only crown a new champion but also set a precedent for how teams manage internal rivalries in a title-deciding race. The race is scheduled to conclude the 2025 F1 season, with live coverage beginning Friday on Sky Sports F1.