Fans believe McLaren’s plan for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could see Lando Norris lose the title race to Max Verstappen. We’re heading to the grand finale of the 2025 F1 season, and as such, teams are cooking up their strategies for Abu Dhabi.
McLaren has a delicate situation on hand, and how the team has reportedly opted to deal with it has left many unhappy.
Controversial Situation Could Be on the Cards As McLaren Faces Max Verstappen for the Drivers’ Title
Norris leads Verstappen in the standings by 12 points and Oscar Piastri by a further four. This puts McLaren in a difficult situation where it might have to weigh its odds against Verstappen during the race.
Ray on X tweeted about team principal Andrea Stella’s approach to the final race, given the British outfit’s situation. Stella reportedly said that they are going to leave Norris and Piastri to fight freely for the title on the condition that they’re not forced to use Piastri to help Norris.
“Andrea confirmed that McLaren won’t use team orders for now, since both drivers are still in the fight and free to race,” the tweet read. “Team orders would only be considered during the race should Lando require assistance, and Oscar is no longer in contention. Both drivers will be involved in the discussions before Abu Dhabi, so everyone is aligned, and any decision will follow their ‘fundemantal principles.’”
Fans questioned the strategy, expressing concerns about what might happen. “dawg they’re gonna crash into each other and give this to verstappen,” Patrick Jane posted.
Another user gave their take on the situation, mentioning their nerves. “So basically there will be no team orders unless Piastri or Norris somehow is starting in the back of the grid, which won’t happen. It’s only Monday, and this race week feels like an eternity,” they wrote.
Chris summarized the update very briefly with some cynicism. “So basically saying nothing. Advantage Max,” he said. One user gave an illustration of how Norris could win the title, captioning it, “Piastri is barely considered in this btw, like how can they say no team order’s VERSTAPPEN IS THE ISSUE.”
He explained how Norris finishing on the podium secures him the championship. However, things get interesting once the Brit is outside the top three.
If Norris finishes between P4 and P7, Verstappen has to finish second or lower. Additionally, Piastri also has to finish second or lower if Norris falls between P6 and P9. The math is strict, and so will the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix be as well. Let’s see what happens.
