The McLaren Formula 1 team has confirmed it is ready to deploy team orders for its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, should the situation demand it during this weekend’s championship-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With the drivers’ title on the line, McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated the team’s primary objective is to secure the championship, even if it means one driver must yield to the other. Norris enters the finale with a 12-point lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with Piastri a further four points behind. Verstappen remains mathematically in contention to claim a fifth consecutive title.
“We’re realistic, we want to win this drivers’ championship,” Brown said. “If we get into the race and it’s clear one driver has a chance and the other doesn’t, we’re going to do what we can to win. It would be crazy not to.”
The most probable scenario for intervention would involve Piastri ceding a position to Norris to ensure his teammate finishes on the podium, particularly if Verstappen is leading the race. Brown expressed full confidence that both drivers would accept any strategic instruction from the pit wall for the benefit of the team.
“Our drivers have always complied with team wishes, just as we comply with theirs,” Brown added. “I’ve got no doubt either of our drivers will continue to race in the best interests of the team.”
Brown rejected the notion that this strategic shift represents a reversal of the team’s season-long policy of allowing its drivers to race freely and equally. He framed it as an exercise in common sense with the ultimate prize at stake.
“We’ll start the weekend as we have all season, giving both drivers equal opportunity,” he explained. “We’re not going to throw away a drivers’ championship over finishing positions if one of our drivers no longer has the opportunity. We’ll stay true to our racing principles and see how the race plays out.”
On track, Norris showed strong early form at the Yas Marina Circuit, topping the timesheets in both of Friday’s practice sessions. Verstappen remained close behind, while Piastri faced a more challenging day, finishing outside the top ten in the second session amid reported balance issues with his car.
The stage is now set for a dramatic conclusion to the season, with McLaren prepared to make the tough calls required to clinch its first drivers’ title in over a decade.