As the Formula 1 season reaches its climax at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, all eyes are on McLaren, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both in contention for the World Championship. The possibility of team orders looms large, and Oscar Piastri has finally revealed his stance on aiding his teammate Lando Norris in his title bid.
Heading into the final race, Norris leads the standings with 408 points, followed by Max Verstappen with 396, and Piastri with 392. This sets the stage for a thrilling showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit, where any of the three drivers could emerge victorious.
The dynamic between Norris and Piastri has been a focal point throughout the season. Despite being teammates and direct rivals, both drivers have maintained a healthy and respectful relationship. Piastri has described their relationship as "better than ever," emphasizing their ability to leave any on-track incidents behind them. Norris echoed this sentiment, stating that their relationship is "still better than ever in many ways".
However, the intensity of the title fight inevitably raises questions about team orders. McLaren has generally allowed its drivers to race freely, but with the championship on the line, the team's stance has evolved. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated that the team will use team orders if necessary to secure the drivers' championship. He clarified that if it becomes clear one driver has a significantly better chance than the other, the team will do what it can to win.
Norris himself has expressed reluctance to ask Piastri to concede a position. "I don't think it's necessarily a fair question," Norris said, emphasizing that it should be up to Piastri to decide. He added that he believes he would help Piastri if the roles were reversed, but ultimately, he won't demand it.
Piastri, on the other hand, has remained more open to the possibility of team orders. "It's not something we've discussed," Piastri stated, indicating that he doesn't have a definitive answer until he knows what is expected of him. This suggests that Piastri is willing to consider team orders if the situation warrants it, but he is waiting for clear instructions from McLaren.
The most likely scenario for team orders would involve Verstappen leading the race, with Piastri in third and Norris in fourth. In this situation, Piastri would be asked to cede his position to Norris, guaranteeing the British driver a podium finish and potentially the championship.
However, the decision is not straightforward. Some within the sport believe that both drivers should be allowed to fight for the title without team interference. Mercedes driver George Russell has criticized the idea of asking Piastri to move over, arguing that both drivers deserve a fair shot at the championship.
Ultimately, the decision rests with McLaren. The team must weigh the potential benefits of team orders against the importance of maintaining fairness and team harmony. As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, the Formula 1 world eagerly awaits to see how this drama unfolds and whether Oscar Piastri will ultimately play a role in Lando Norris's quest for his first World Championship.
