McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, has made it clear that the team is open to using team orders to help secure a championship win in Abu Dhabi. It’s a strategic move, especially with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri in a tight race for the title.
Everything hinges on the final race, where Norris needs a solid performance. After a challenging fourth-place finish in Qatar, where his team’s strategy fell short, he still leads with 408 points. Verstappen trails him by just 12 points, and Piastri is close behind at 16 points.
To win, Norris just needs to finish on the podium. Complicating factors could arise, especially if Piastri finishes among the leaders while Norris is in fourth. If Piastri lets Norris pass, McLaren could still clinch the championship even if Verstappen wins the race.
In an interview, Brown emphasized that they would use team orders if it became clear that one driver had a better chance of winning the title. He said, “It would be crazy not to.” Norris echoed this sentiment, expressing he would appreciate team support, but had confidence in Piastri to make the right call if needed.
This season, McLaren has shown impressive strength, even outpacing Verstappen by 104 points at one point. Yet, Verstappen has made a remarkable comeback, putting him back into contention. Norris’s victories in Mexico and Brazil have kept him at the top, but he must avoid a low finish in the Abu Dhabi race to secure his first championship.
Historically, team orders have been a controversial topic in Formula 1. Many fans remember the infamous moments when teammates had to sacrifice for each other. While McLaren has promised fairness throughout the season, Brown believes that sometimes tough decisions are necessary for the greater good of the team.
In a sport where the stakes are high, especially with multiple championships on the line, the dynamics between teammates will be crucial in the final race. The question on everyone’s mind: will McLaren make the call when it matters most?
For more detailed analysis on team strategies, check out this Sky Sports article.
