Lando Norris has firmly stated he will not request McLaren employ team orders 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, believes asking teammate Oscar Piastri to cede position would be an unfair demand.
The Stakes for the Season Finale
Norris enters the 24th and final race of the season as the favourite, but locked in a tense three-way battle. He leads Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 12 points and his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, by 16 points. The championship permutations are clear-cut:
- Norris will clinch the title if he finishes ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri, or secures third place or better.
- Verstappen must win the race and hope Norris finishes off the podium.
- Piastri's slim hopes require a victory coupled with Norris finishing sixth or lower.
A Matter of Principle and Fair Play
When questioned about the potential for McLaren to instruct Piastri to move aside should it become necessary to stop Verstappen, Norris was unequivocal. He confirmed the topic had not been discussed within the team and expressed a personal reluctance to initiate such a request.
"No, not been discussed," Norris stated. "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 want to ask it because I don't think it's necessarily a fair question."
He added that, were the roles reversed, he believes he would be willing to help a teammate, but emphasised the decision should not be his to demand. "If that's how it ends and Max wins, then, well, that's it. Congrats to him and I look forward to next year," he concluded.
Team Stance and External Opinion
McLaren's position throughout the season has been to allow their drivers to race freely while both remained in mathematical contention. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that all relevant scenarios for the finale would be discussed to ensure clarity. The Woking-based squad is eager to secure its first drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton's triumph in 2008.
Piastri, seated beside the championship trophy at Thursday's press conference in Abu Dhabi, mirrored his teammate's comments. "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 also drawn opinion from other drivers. Mercedes' George Russell called the idea of asking Piastri to sacrifice his own title shot "unacceptable". "I don't think it's acceptable or reasonable to ask a driver who's also in a shot of a championship in the very last race to move over for your teammate," Russell asserted.
For Norris, the magnitude of the opportunity is not lost. "This has been my whole life, it's everything I've worked towards," he reflected. "It would mean the world to me... It would mean my life until now has been a success." The stage is now set for a dramatic, high-stakes conclusion under the lights of the Yas Marina Circuit.
