Lando Norris has firmly ruled out requesting team orders from McLaren to assist his bid for a maiden Formula One world championship at this weekend's decisive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British driver, who holds a narrow lead over his rivals, stated he believes it would be unfair to ask teammate Oscar Piastri to sacrifice his own title ambitions.
The Stakes at the Season Finale
Norris enters the 24th and final race of the season as the favourite, but faces intense pressure from Red Bull's Max Verstappen and his own McLaren colleague. He currently enjoys a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point lead over Piastri. The championship permutations are clear: Norris will secure his first title if he finishes ahead of both rivals, or claims a podium position of third or better. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri requires a victory coupled with Norris finishing sixth or lower.
"I Don't Think It's a Fair Question"
When directly questioned about the potential for team orders, where Piastri might be instructed to cede position to aid Norris's championship charge, the 26-year-old was unequivocal. "No, not been discussed," Norris confirmed. "Honestly, I would love it. But I don't think I would ask it. It's up to Oscar if he would allow it. I don't think it's necessarily down to me."
He elaborated on his personal stance, highlighting a sense of sporting fairness. "I'm not going to ask it. I don't want to ask it because I don't think it's necessarily a fair question. If that's how it ends and Max wins, then, well, that's it. Congrats to him and I look forward to next year."
McLaren's Position and Rival Reactions
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, indicated that the team would discuss all relevant scenarios before the race to ensure clarity. The team's philosophy throughout the season has been to allow both drivers to race freely while they remained in title contention, though they have intervened to honour pre-race agreements, such as at Monza.
Piastri, seated beside the championship trophy at Thursday's press conference at the Yas Marina Circuit, echoed that no directive had been received. "It's not something we've discussed," the Australian said. "Until I know what's expected, I don't really have an answer."
The debate has drawn opinion from other drivers, with Mercedes' George Russell calling the idea of asking Piastri to move over "unacceptable". Russell argued both McLaren drivers deserve a shot at the title on merit.
For Norris, the culmination of a lifelong dream is at stake. "This has been my whole life, it's everything I've worked towards," he said. "It would mean the world to me... It would mean my life until now has been a success and I've accomplished that dream I had when I was a kid." The stage is now set for a dramatic, high-stakes conclusion to the F1 season under the lights of Abu Dhabi.
