Photo: Race Pictures

Norris 'would love' McLaren to impose team orders on Piastri in Abu Dhabi

12:28, 04 Dec

Updated: 12:36, 04 Dec

byTobia Elia

Lando Norris has commented on the possibility of his teammate being given team orders in the Abu Dhabi race to help him secure the title.

“I would love it, but I don't think I would ask it because it's up to Oscar if he would allow it”

When asked if McLaren had internally discussed such a scenario, Norris told media: “No, (it has) not been discussed. Honestly, I would love it, but I don't think I would ask it because it's up to Oscar if he would allow it. I don't think it's necessarily down to me.”

In an emergency, such as a scenario where Verstappen is leading the race and Norris is outside the minimum target position of fourth, McLaren could sacrifice Piastri to help the Briton achieve his goal, but Norris prefers not to take on the responsibility of deciding for his teammate.

“It's the same if it's the other way around. Would I be willing to or not? Personally I think I would just because I feel like I'm always like that and that's just how I am. It's not really up to me and I'm not going to ask it. I don't want to ask it because I don't think it's necessarily a fair question.

Photo: Race Pictures

“At the same time, if that's how it ends and Max wins, then that's it. Congrats to him and I look forward to next year. It doesn't change anything. It doesn't change my life. He will deserve it over us.”

Piastri ultimately chipped in the conversation: “It's not something we've discussed. Until I know what's kind of expected, I don't really have an answer until I know what's expected of me.”

Russell rules out team orders to Piastri during title decider in Abu Dhabi

The Mercedes dismisses that possibility, noting that Piastri, though trailing the others, still has a chance at the championship despite being 16 points behind his teammate and with Max Verstappen in contention.

Russell adds that team orders are entirely reasonable when one driver is clearly stronger than the other, as seen in past pairings like Verstappen–Perez or Schumacher–Barrichello.

Read his full comments here.

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