Russell: Piastri Should Not Be Asked to Help Norris in F1 Title Decider
As the F1 season heads into a dramatic three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes' George Russell argues it's "unacceptable" for McLaren to ask Oscar Piastri to help teammate Lando Norris win the championship. With both McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen in contention, the debate over team orders and fairness highlights the immense pressure and high stakes of the finale. Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also weighed in on the challenges and mind games expected this weekend.
As the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi looms, the debate intensifies over team orders, specifically whether Oscar Piastri should be asked to aid his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in securing the world championship. Both McLaren drivers, along with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, are in contention for the title, making this a truly nail-biting conclusion to the season.
Why it matters:
With a rare three-way championship fight heading into the final race, the integrity of competition and the fairness of team strategies are under scrutiny. The outcome could significantly impact the careers of all three drivers and shape the narrative of the 2025 F1 season, especially for McLaren, who haven't seen a driver's championship in over a decade.
The Details:
- Championship Standings: Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a further four points behind. All three can mathematically win the title.
- Russell's Stance: Mercedes driver George Russell argues it would be "unacceptable or unreasonable" to ask Piastri, who also has a championship shot, to move aside for Norris.
- Russell differentiates this from scenarios where one driver is clearly out of contention (e.g., Sergio Perez for Max Verstappen, or Rubens Barrichello for Michael Schumacher), stating that in such cases, moving over would be reasonable.
- He believes both McLaren drivers should be given an equal chance, emphasizing that if they lose out due to it, it's simply "racing."
- Hamilton's Perspective: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, having experienced intense title battles, noted that being the "hunter" (like Verstappen) is "way easier" than being the "hunted" (like Norris).
- Hamilton offered no direct advice to Norris, humorously stating, "I'd probably be telling them fibs."
- Alonso on Mind Games: Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, expects "a little bit of games" and mind games from the contenders in Abu Dhabi.
- He highlighted the ongoing back-and-forth between Verstappen and Norris, where Verstappen claimed he'd have "easily" sealed the title in a McLaren, which Norris dismissed as "nonsense."
- Alonso, with a wry remark, also suggested that the best driver not winning the title has been a regular occurrence for the last "19 years now," implying this year could be the 20th.
The Big Picture:
The three-way title fight is a rare and exciting spectacle for Formula 1, echoing some of the sport's most legendary conclusions. While team orders are a contentious but often necessary part of F1, the unique circumstance of three drivers, including two teammates, battling for the ultimate prize raises significant ethical questions for McLaren. How they manage this internal dynamic will be a defining moment for the team and could influence their reputation for years to come.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, where the championship will be decided. The strategies employed by McLaren for Norris and Piastri, and how Red Bull navigates Verstappen's challenge, will be critical. The tension promises a thrilling conclusion to what has been an unpredictable and captivating F1 season.