Zak Brown Confirms McLaren Will Consider Team Orders in Abu Dhabi GP Title Decider

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team is prepared to implement team orders during the Abu Dhabi season finale if one of its drivers is clearly positioned to win the championship. This marks a shift from their season-long 'papaya rules,' where drivers were allowed to race freely.

Why it matters:

McLaren's shift from its long-standing 'papaya rules' underscores the high stakes of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri still in contention against Max Verstappen for the Drivers' Championship, the team's willingness to use team orders highlights their aggressive push for a title. This decision could significantly impact the championship outcome and ignite debate among fans and pundits about racing integrity versus team success.

The Details:

• Championship Contention: Lando Norris currently leads the championship by 12 points over Max Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri four points behind Verstappen. All three drivers remain in contention for the title.
• Shift from 'Papaya Rules': Throughout the season, McLaren has allowed its drivers to race freely, leading to exciting on-track battles. However, as the championship approached its climax, this approach came under scrutiny.
• Brown's Stance: Zak Brown explicitly stated to Sky Sports F1 that it would be 'crazy' not to enforce team orders if one driver has a clear shot at the championship while the other does not.
  • He emphasized, "We want to win the drivers' championship... It's a team sport, right? So, we're trying to win the constructors' [championship] as a team, and we're trying to win the drivers' [championship] as a team."
• Driver Discussions: Norris and Piastri initially indicated that team orders had not been discussed, but Brown's statement suggests an internal shift in strategy.
• Team Principal's Perspective: Andrea Stella, McLaren's Team Principal, affirmed the team's commitment to fairness and integrity, stating that further conversations with Norris and Piastri would confirm their racing approach for Abu Dhabi. He also noted that if a driver is in a position to win the title, the team will respect it, and no call will exclude a driver who is in condition to win.

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be a crucial test of McLaren's new strategy. The team aims to secure the Drivers' Championship, a significant achievement after years of rebuilding. The application of team orders, if necessary, will undoubtedly be a major talking point and could set a precedent for how McLaren approaches future championship battles.

• The team will likely hold further discussions with Norris and Piastri to ensure alignment and maintain team unity, as highlighted by Andrea Stella.
• The outcome of the race and the championship will shape the narrative around McLaren's season and their competitive philosophy moving forward.