As F1 heads for its final race of the season at Abu Dhabi, the fight for the championship is more heated than ever. With Verstappen almost catching up with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in his recent outings, the battle between Red Bull Racing and McLaren Racing in the finale will undoubtedly be packed with entertainment and thrills.
Although both McLaren drivers have a good shot at claiming the championship, several rumors about favoritism for Norris by the team management have surfaced in recent times. While none from the papaya army have confirmed the speculations, Mercedes driver George Russell recently commented on the subject and called for equality in the team.
George Russell’s Run In The Current Season
Russell, who currently sits fourth in the table, is far from the title contenders. However, the Briton has been quite impressive in his performances this season, with two wins and more than a handful of podium finishes.
The Mercedes driver, though, has been a formidable name on the grid and has given McLaren and Red Bull drivers a run for their money on several occasions. And now, as F1 heads for the final outing of the season, the fight for the title between the big two has gotten everyone in the F1 community awaiting the weekend.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP, when several drivers faced the cameras, they opened up about their prep for the season finale, and among them was Russell. Along with talking about his own approach for the weekend, the Briton addressed the scenes in the McLaren camp.
Russell’s Comments On McLaren’s Team Orders Scenario In The Finale
The papaya army bosses have generally refrained from utilizing team orders this season. However, with the scenario changing in recent weeks, where Norris has overtaken Piastri and has a slim margin over both his teammate and Verstappen, the approach at McLaren Racing might be different this weekend.
Although there have been no official orders from the team yet, if the situation becomes too intense in the finale and they have to make a choice, it will be a tough decision for management.
In the press conference, Russell referred to this and called the situation unacceptable, where one driver would have to move aside to give their teammate a better shot, especially when both have a good chance. He began:
“I don’t think it is acceptable or reasonable to ask a driver who is within a shot of the Championship to move over for your teammate.”
George Russell: “I don’t think it is acceptable or reasonable to ask a driver who is within a shot of the Championship to move over for your teammate. For me, I don’t think it would be fair at all. They both need to be given a shot and if they both lose out because of it, you…
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Russell believed that both McLaren must be given an equal opportunity, and still, if Verstappen beats them, the team should accept their fate with grace. The Briton continued, “For me, I don’t think it would be fair at all. They both need to be given a shot, and if they both lose out because of it, you just say the other guy did a better job and that’s it.”
As for the points picture, Norris currently sits on top of the table with 408 points, while Verstappen and Piastri occupy the second and third spots with 396 and 392 points, respectively.
