McLaren’s head, Zak Brown, openly acknowledged that the team would make a significant decision if one of their drivers became a strong contender for the F1 drivers’ world championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
Current championship leader Lando Norris holds a 12-point lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is four points ahead of McLaren’s second driver, Oscar Piastri.
All three drivers will enter Sunday’s race at the renowned Yas Marina Circuit with the chance to claim the prestigious title.
Though Norris is the frontrunner due to his 12-point advantage, Verstappen also sees a promising opportunity, especially following his consecutive victories in Las Vegas and Qatar that have thrust him back into the championship race.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of Friday’s practice session.
Piastri still has a chance at the title, but it will be a challenging feat for the Australian driver on Sunday.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Brown mentioned the team would refrain from intervening with drivers Norris and Piastri as long as both maintain their title chances in the race.
“Regarding team orders, as long as both drivers have a chance to win the world championship—which they clearly do right now—then it’s business as usual, and they’re free to race,” Brown stated.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri takes a selfie with fans in Abu Dhabi.
However, if only one driver emerges in a favorable position, Brown’s team will make a decisive move.
“We’ll be practical and realistic. If, as the weekend unfolds, it becomes evident that one driver has a notably better chance, we’ll aim to support that driver to secure the race win,” he explained.
“Our team orders focus on equal opportunities to win the championship, but if it turns out both can’t, we’ll prioritize the team’s best interest to win the drivers’ championship.”
With his 12-point lead, Norris can secure his first world title with a podium finish.
However, if the British driver fails to make the podium, Dutchman Verstappen can clinch a record-tying fifth consecutive world title by finishing first in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
