As the Formula One season culminates in Abu Dhabi, McLaren’s Lando Norris has firmly rejected the notion of requesting teammate Oscar Piastri to sacrifice his position to secure the championship. With Norris leading Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri trailing by an additional four, the Yas Marina circuit sets the stage for one of the most dramatic finales in recent F1 history.
The three title contenders presented a study in contrasts during Thursday’s press conference, with Verstappen appearing notably relaxed compared to his McLaren rivals. When confronted with a hypothetical scenario where Verstappen leads the race with Piastri third and Norris fourth—a situation that would hand Verstappen the championship without team intervention—Norris revealed his philosophical approach.
‘I wouldn’t make that request because ultimately it’s Oscar’s decision,’ Norris stated. ‘I believe in racing fairly. If our positions were reversed, I would consider yielding, but that’s my personal choice rather than an expectation.’
The British driver emphasized that Verstappen would deserve victory if achieved without team manipulation, adding: ‘It doesn’t change my life. He will deserve it over us.’
Piastri confirmed that team orders haven’t been discussed within McLaren, while Mercedes’ George Russell—who could influence the outcome from between the contenders—voiced strong opposition to any orchestrated result. ‘I think it would be unfair for either driver to give up places,’ Russell remarked. ‘I wouldn’t want to win a championship because my teammate pulled over.’
McLaren principal Andrea Stella, reflecting on the team’s constructors’ championship victory and their first drivers’ title pursuit since 1998, indicated that while racing ethics remain paramount, strategic conversations would occur. ‘What’s important is that we’re in condition to beat Verstappen with one of our two drivers,’ Stella noted, highlighting the team’s dual ambition of maintaining sporting integrity while pursuing both championships.