The 2025 Formula 1 season will conclude with a decisive three way title fight at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lando Norris enters the final weekend with 408 points, holding a 12 point lead over Max Verstappen and a 16 point margin over Oscar Piastri. Norris had the chance to secure the championship in Qatar but finished fourth after an alternative strategy did not yield the necessary advantage. Verstappen won the race, keeping the championship contest open for the final round.
Norris can secure his first world title by finishing on the podium at Yas Marina. Multiple scenarios remain possible across the 58 lap race. One scenario involves Piastri running inside the top three with Norris behind him in fourth place, matching the order seen in Qatar. In that case Piastri would be mathematically eliminated from title contention. If he allowed Norris to move ahead, McLaren would retain control of the title outcome even if Verstappen won the race.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown addressed the subject of team orders in an interview with Sky Sports F1. Brown stated that the team is prepared to use such instructions if they become necessary. He added that both drivers entered the weekend with an opportunity to win the championship despite the points gap, but the team would act if race conditions made it clear that only one driver remained in contention. Brown described the decision as a practical measure aimed at securing the drivers’ championship.
Brown’s comments came after remarks from Norris during Thursday’s press conference, where Norris said he would welcome the use of team orders but would not directly request them. Norris noted that any decision would depend on Piastri’s cooperation. McLaren has been competitive throughout the season and held a significant advantage earlier in the year. Piastri previously led Verstappen by 104 points before a shift in form allowed the reigning champion to close the gap.
Norris’ wins in Mexico and Brazil elevated him to the top of the standings. His position remains vulnerable if Verstappen wins the race and he finishes fourth or lower. The narrow point differences have focused attention on McLaren’s internal policy framework. The team has referenced its papaya rules throughout the season, which guide decisions involving driver positioning and race management. Brown said these policies contributed to winning the constructors’ title in Singapore and will support decision making in Abu Dhabi.
Brown reiterated that the team’s priority is achieving the drivers’ championship. He stated that McLaren will not sacrifice the title by maintaining positions unrelated to the final outcome. He emphasized that Formula 1 is a team based competition and that both drivers support the goal of securing the championship for McLaren.
