Zak Brown: McLaren Ready to Use Team Orders for Abu Dhabi Victory

McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, has confirmed that the team is ready to implement team orders during the final race in Abu Dhabi. This strategy aims to secure the championship for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri. Brown stated, “It would be crazy not to” consider team orders as a viable option.

Three-Way Title Race at Yas Marina

The championship battle is heating up among three drivers: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. The decisive event will be the 58-lap Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Norris recently fell short of securing the title in Qatar, finishing fourth, while Verstappen clinched victory. Despite this, McLaren leads the standings with 408 points, just 12 points ahead of Verstappen, while Piastri trails by 16 points.

What Norris Needs for Victory

• Norris must finish on the podium in Abu Dhabi to claim his first championship title.
• Multiple scenarios could affect the outcome, including Piastri’s position relative to Norris during the race.
• If Piastri is in the top three and Norris is fourth, Piastri would be out of the title race.

Team Orders and Strategy

Brown discussed the potential use of team orders in a recent interview. He stressed the importance of winning the Drivers’ Championship while balancing both drivers’ opportunities. Brown stated, “You don’t know how Qualifying is going to go, reliability, but if we get into the race and it’s clear that one has a chance and the other doesn’t, we’re going to do what we can to win.”

Norris, in a separate press conference, expressed his support for team orders. He mentioned that the decision would ultimately depend on Piastri, indicating a willingness to cooperate for the team’s success.

McLaren’s Competitive Season

Throughout the season, McLaren has demonstrated strong performance, especially earlier when Piastri boasted a substantial 104-point lead over Verstappen. However, a resurgence from Verstappen and a decline in Piastri’s performance have narrowed the gap. Norris’ recent wins in Mexico and Brazil allowed him to rise to the top of the standings.

Team Dynamics and Fairness

McLaren has maintained a commitment to fairness, often referred to as their ‘papaya rules.’ These guidelines helped the team secure the Constructors’ Championship in Singapore. Brown emphasized that the focus remains on winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. He believes that in team sports, it is common for teammates to make sacrifices for one another’s success.

As the final race approaches, McLaren’s strategy and teamwork will be crucial in their quest for the championship title. The Yas Marina Grand Prix promises to be an intense showdown as Norris and Piastri vie for victory amid the pressure of team dynamics and competition.