McLaren has made a decisive strategic shift ahead of the final race of the Formula 1 season, confirming it will instruct its drivers to support a championship bid if necessary.
Brown's Championship Pragmatism
In a statement on Friday 5th December 2025, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown ended any speculation about the team's approach for the title decider in Abu Dhabi. He stated it would be "crazy not to" implement team orders to secure the drivers' world championship. This marks a clear departure from the squad's previous policy of allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race freely against each other throughout the year.
The Standings and the Scenario
The championship landscape is finely poised heading into the weekend. Lando Norris leads the standings by 12 points from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who kept his title hopes alive with victory in Qatar. Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, sits a further 4 points back, 16 points adrift of the lead.
The most likely scenario for team intervention would involve Piastri, if he is ahead of Norris during the race, being asked to cede position. This would bolster Norris's chances of securing the podium finish he is likely to need to clinch his maiden Formula 1 world title.
Driver Reactions and Team Dynamics
Both McLaren drivers were aware of the possibility but revealed they had not discussed it in detail prior to Brown's confirmation. The team's new directive places them in a classic supporting role versus lead driver dynamic for the first time this season.
Brown's unequivocal stance removes any ambiguity and allows the team to focus on a single objective: winning the championship. With everything on the line this Sunday in Abu Dhabi, McLaren is leaving nothing to chance, prioritising the collective goal over individual driver freedom in the ultimate race of the year.
