Oscar Piastri team orders may be on the cards as McLaren considers tactics ahead of Sunday’s decisive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with CEO Zak Brown outlining that the team could intervene if one driver’s championship chances outweigh the other’s. With Lando Norris leading the title race and Piastri close behind, the pressure is mounting as McLaren weighs up its best chance to secure the Formula 1 world championship.
McLaren’s Strategy for the Final Race
Lando Norris currently leads the standings, holding a 12-point advantage over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, trails Norris by only four points. This slim margin has led to intense speculation about the possibility of team orders, especially if Verstappen threatens to win the race and affect the title outcome for McLaren in Abu Dhabi.
When asked about the team’s approach, Zak Brown emphasized that both Norris and Piastri retain mathematical chances in the title fight as the weekend begins. He explained that the team would maintain its usual approach as long as neither McLaren driver is mathematically eliminated from contention.
“In the sense of team orders, as long as both drivers have a chance to win the world championship, which they clearly do sitting here right now, then it’s business as usual. They’re free to race. Obviously, we’ll be practical and realistic,”
Zak Brown, CEO, said Friday.
When Would Team Orders Apply?
Brown made it clear that any decision regarding team orders would be influenced by how the race and the weekend evolve. Should it become evident that only one McLaren driver holds a genuine shot at the world championship, the team would act to maximize its chances of victory.
“If, as the weekend develops, as the race develops, it becomes clear that one has a significantly better chance than the other, then we’re a team that wants to win the drivers’ championship and we will race accordingly, to do whatever we can to get that driver in front to try and win the race,”
Zak Brown, CEO, said.
However, Brown did not specifically detail what would constitute a “significantly better chance.” He pointed out that team orders would become an option only if it was clear that both Norris and Piastri could no longer contend equally. He remarked,
“it becomes clear that both (Norris and Piastri) can’t,”
Zak Brown, CEO.
Drivers’ Perspectives and Team Unity
Both McLaren drivers indicated prior to the Abu Dhabi event that team orders had not been formally discussed. Lando Norris expressed that, while he would appreciate support from Piastri if needed—and would offer the same in return—he did not want to directly request that from his teammate. This mutual respect reflects the working relationship and competitive spirit within the team.
Trust in Driver Cooperation
Asked whether he believed Oscar Piastri would comply with instructions to support Norris if it aided the team’s championship hopes, Brown displayed full confidence in both drivers’ commitment and professionalism.
“Yes. Our drivers have always complied with team wishes, just as we comply with their wishes,”
Zak Brown, CEO, said.
He added,
“I’ve got no doubt either of our drivers will continue to race as they’ve done brilliantly, in the best interest of the team,”
Zak Brown, CEO.
What Lies Ahead for McLaren
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches its climax, McLaren faces critical decisions that could determine the outcome of the Formula 1 world championship. The actions taken by Zak Brown, the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and the prospect of Oscar Piastri team orders could not only decide this year’s title but also shape team strategy and unity for seasons to come.
