Lando Norris is heading into the Formula 1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a favorite to clinch his first world championship, but the McLaren driver is adamant that he won't ask for team orders to secure the title. With a 12-point lead over Red Bull's Max Verstappen and a 16-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris controls his own destiny. A podium finish at the Yas Marina Circuit would guarantee him the championship, regardless of where his rivals finish.
The topic of team orders has been a recurring theme for McLaren throughout the season, as the team has generally allowed Norris and Piastri to race each other freely. This approach has, at times, cost them valuable points in the championship battle, but Norris believes it's not his place to ask Piastri to concede a position, even if it meant securing the title. "I would love it," Norris admitted when asked about the possibility of team orders, "But I don't think I would ask it... It's up to Oscar if he would allow it". He emphasized that he wouldn't want to win the championship in a way that felt unfair to his teammate.
Norris's stance reflects his belief in fair competition and his confidence in his own abilities. He seems determined to earn his first F1 crown through his own performance on the track, rather than relying on team tactics. "I don't want to ask it because I don't think it's necessarily a fair question," Norris explained. He also added that he would be willing to reciprocate if the situation were reversed.
Despite his reluctance to request team orders, Norris acknowledges that he has "the most to lose" heading into the Abu Dhabi race. He recognizes the pressure of being in the lead and the potential disappointment if he fails to secure the championship. However, he maintains a philosophical outlook, stating, "If it doesn't go my way, then I'll try again next year".
The McLaren driver also downplayed the significance of potentially losing the title to Verstappen, stating that it "doesn't change anything" and that the Red Bull driver would "deserve it". This attitude underscores Norris's focus on his own performance and his acceptance of the unpredictable nature of racing.
While Norris has the advantage in the points standings, Verstappen has been closing the gap with a strong run of form, including victories in Las Vegas and Qatar. The Red Bull driver also has considerable experience in title-deciding races, having won his first championship at the Yas Marina Circuit in 2021. Meanwhile, Piastri remains an outside contender, needing both Norris and Verstappen to encounter difficulties to have a chance at the title.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling showdown, with Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri all vying for the ultimate prize. While team orders could play a decisive role, Lando Norris seems prepared to fight for his championship on his own terms, even if it means taking the harder route to his first F1 title.
