McLaren has confirmed it will deploy team orders in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if required to secure the Formula One world drivers' championship. The declaration from CEO Zak Brown sets the stage for a dramatic finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, where three drivers remain in mathematical contention.
Brown's Pragmatic Stance on Championship Priority
Having allowed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race freely for most of the season, McLaren's leadership has adopted a pragmatic approach for the decisive round. Lando Norris leads the standings by 10 points from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri a further six points adrift. This tight margin means Verstappen could still snatch the title from McLaren's grasp.
"Yes, of course. We're realistic, we want to win this drivers' championship," Brown stated unequivocally. "If we get into the race and it's becoming pretty clear that one has a chance and the other doesn't, we're going to do what we can to win. It would be crazy not to."
Brown dismissed suggestions this was a reversal of the team's previously equitable philosophy. He emphasised the team would begin the weekend offering both drivers equal opportunity, as they have all season, but would use "common sense" when the championship was on the line.
The Likely Scenarios for Strategic Intervention
The most probable situation requiring team orders would involve Oscar Piastri ceding a position to Lando Norris to ensure his teammate finishes on the podium. Norris needs to finish third or higher to guarantee his first world title, regardless of where Verstappen finishes. If the Red Bull driver wins the race, Norris's required finishing position becomes even more critical.
Brown expressed full confidence that both drivers would comply with any strategic instruction. "Our drivers have always complied with team wishes just as we comply with their wishes," he said. "So I've got no doubt either of our drivers will continue to race, as they've done brilliantly, in the best interests of the team."
Both Norris and Piastri indicated on Thursday that specific discussions about potential orders had not yet taken place, but acknowledged that plans would be clarified before the race.
Verstappen's Formidable Challenge
Despite Norris's points advantage and strong practice pace in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen remains a formidable threat. The Dutchman, chasing a fifth consecutive drivers' crown, has shown remarkable resilience this season, clawing back a 104-point deficit since the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Verstappen's relentless consistency. "Max just never does a mistake," Mekies said. "He keeps surprising us every day... He doesn't miss a start. He doesn't miss tyre management, he doesn't miss an overtake. It gives a lot of confidence to the whole team."
In practice, Norris topped both sessions on Thursday, looking confident at a circuit where he has performed well before. Verstappen was second in the later session, three-tenths of a second behind, while Piastri struggled with balance issues, finishing 11th.
The stage is now set for a high-stakes showdown in the desert. With McLaren prepared to prioritise its lead driver and Verstappen lurking ready to pounce on any opportunity, the 2025 Formula One world championship will be decided by a combination of sheer speed, strategic nerve, and perhaps, a team order.
