Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have worked together to accumulate 800 points for McLaren in the constructors' championship with the final event remaining.
McLaren is prepared to use Oscar Piastri to aid Lando Norris's championship challenge if a situation arises in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where the Australian can no more secure the title.
This year, McLaren has followed a philosophy of free racing between its drivers, determined to give each of them the greatest chance of winning their first title.
However, Norris has a advantage of sixteen points over Piastri heading into the last Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen sandwiched between the two, trailing the Briton by 12 points.
Boss Explains Team Policy
McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated: "As long as both drivers have a chance to win the title, then it's a normal race and they're free to race."
He elaborated: "If as the race unfolds, it becomes apparent that one driver's chance is gone, we will do all we can to make sure the team wins the drivers' championship."
"We're going to use common sense," Brown stressed. "We won't throw away a drivers' championship over a minor points finish or whatever if one of the drivers does not have the possibility."
Possible Race Outcomes
There are a number of race outcomes where Piastri giving up positions to Norris could block Verstappen from winning the title.
- A clear scenario is if Verstappen is winning the race, Piastri is in the top three, and Norris is just outside the podium.
- If Verstappen takes victory, Norris needs to be third to secure the title. In that situation, McLaren would request Piastri to let Norris past.
- Another possibility would be if Norris was eighth, Verstappen was in P2, and Piastri was positioned between them.
Driver Cooperation
Brown expressed confidence that Piastri would agree to any such team order.
"Our drivers have consistently adhered with strategic calls just as we honor their wishes," Brown said. "I thus have no doubt that either our drivers will continue to race as they have done excellently in the best interests of the team."
Earlier in the week, Norris himself commented that he would not ask for help himself "because I don't think it's particularly a justifiable ask."
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Formula 1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
