McLaren prepared to use team orders in Abu Dhabi

If Lando Norris loses the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Australian cannot continue to win the championship, McLaren are prepared to use Oscar Piastri to support his title bid.

This year, McLaren have established a philosophy of open competition between their drivers, giving both the best chance to win their first title.

However, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen 12 points behind the Briton in the final race of the season at Yas Marina, Norris leads Piastri by 16 points going into the season-ending event.

As long as both drivers have a chance to win the title, Brown said, “Business as usual and they are free to race.”

We will do everything we can to ensure the team wins the drivers’ championship if it becomes clear as the race progresses that both can’t.

In a number of mathematical situations, Piastri’s refusal to support Verstappen might prove to be a factor.

If Verstappen wins the race, Piastri is in the top three, and Norris is in fourth place, the most likely scenario is that this will occur.

Norris must finish third in order to win the title if Verstappen prevails. It is obvious that McLaren would request Piastri to renounce Norris in that situation, or any other similar situation.

Another scenario would be if Piastri was somewhere between the two, Verstappen was second, and Norris was eighth.

Brown stated that he was certain Piastri would accept the request.

Our drivers have always followed team wishes, Brown said, “just as we have done their wishes.” So I have no doubt that either of our drivers will keep going at it because they did it in the team’s best interest.