Lando Norris has stated he would not ask McLaren to impose team orders to aid his world championship bid at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British driver leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over teammate Oscar Piastri, but insists he will not request Piastri to yield position.
Norris, who can secure his first title by finishing ahead of both rivals or claiming third place or better, said the matter has not been discussed within the team. “I would love it, but I don’t think I would ask it,” he told reporters. “It’s up to Oscar if he would allow it. I don’t think it’s necessarily down to me.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the team would review scenarios ahead of the final race, but Piastri stated he has not been informed of any expected instructions. “It’s not something we’ve discussed,” the Australian said. “Until I know what’s expected, I don’t really have an answer.”
Mercedes driver George Russell criticised the potential use of team orders, calling it “unacceptable” to ask a driver still in title contention to move aside. “They both need to be given a shot,” he said. “If they lose out, you just need to say the other guy did a better job.”
Norris, 26, acknowledged the significance of the weekend, saying winning the championship would mean “everything” and validate a lifelong dream. McLaren last secured a drivers’ title in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton.
