McLaren chief Zak Brown has confirmed that the team is prepared to use team orders in the decisive Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, should it increase Lando Norris F1 title chances against key rival Max Verstappen and team-mate Oscar Piastri. As the F1 championship heads to its final race at Yas Marina Circuit, Norris holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen, while Piastri trails his team-mate by an additional four points, keeping the title fight open among the trio.
The team’s approach could become critical if Verstappen leads during Sunday’s showdown and Piastri’s own championship hopes fade, allowing a scenario where he might be expected to let Norris pass. If Norris secures a podium finish, he will claim his first drivers’ crown, elevating the high stakes for McLaren.
Strategic Team Orders on the Table
In an interview at Yas Marina just before Friday’s practice, Zak Brown addressed whether McLaren would direct Piastri to help Norris if necessary. He clarified that the team is determined to pursue the drivers’ championship and will take whatever steps are required if race circumstances call for prioritizing Norris.
Brown explained the team’s stance heading into the weekend, noting both drivers still have a mathematical shot at the title. Yet, as the race unfolds and if it becomes clear that only one of them remains in contention, McLaren will prioritize their lead driver to secure the championship.
“We want to win the Drivers’ Championship. So, we’ll kind of see how the race plays out, but we’re not going to not win the championship because we’re trying to protect a third and a fourth or a sixth and a seventh, or however the situation may play out.”
– Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Both drivers maintain equal footing as the finale approaches, but the gap in points means McLaren’s tactics might shift if the math dictates favoring one over the other, especially as variables like qualifying results or reliability come into play.
Drivers React to Team Orders Possibility
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen faced questions on Thursday regarding potential team orders during a joint press conference. Norris made it clear that he would prefer not to request assistance from Piastri directly, though he acknowledged he would “love” the support if it were offered.
Piastri indicated that no final team directives had been shared as of the final race weekend. He openly admitted,
have an answer until I know what’s expected.
– Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
This underscores the ongoing dialogue within the team, as both drivers weigh individual ambitions against collective success in what could be McLaren’s first drivers’ title in over a decade.
Past Precedents and Team Dynamics
Brown is confident the team will not face significant backlash if Norris benefits from strategic support, drawing on previous occasions where the drivers acted in the team’s interest. He cited examples from last season in both Sao Paulo and Qatar sprint races where drivers swapped positions to serve a larger goal.
“You saw that in the sprint in Brazil and I think it was Qatar. So, I don’t think it’s unusual in any sport for team-mates to make sacrifices for each other to give the team what they want.”
– Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Emphasizing the team’s collective mindset, Brown pointed out that both Norris and Piastri have demonstrated their willingness to comply with team orders for the benefit of McLaren and have previously put aside personal goals for the Constructors’ and Drivers’ campaigns.
Both drivers, experienced in high-pressure environments, now face their biggest challenge yet as McLaren pursues victory both for their driver and the organization. Brown remarked on the unity within the squad, illustrating confidence that either athlete, if out of contention, would actively support his team-mate.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Set to Decide the Champion
The 2025 Formula 1 season will reach its climax this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit, with fans and analysts alike closely following every moment in the battle between McLaren and Red Bull. With Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all still mathematically alive in the title hunt, the outcome could hinge on critical decisions made within teams during the race itself.
For Lando Norris, F1 title chances have never looked better, but the final verdict rests on McLaren’s race strategy, teamwork, and the unfolding events on the track in Abu Dhabi. Regardless of the result, the title decider is set to be one of the most tense and closely watched events in recent F1 history, with all eyes on how McLaren will manage its duo against the challenge posed by Max Verstappen.
