Top News

McLaren boss Zak Brown didn’t shy away from admitting that the team would make a big decision if one of their drivers got into a position of strength in the battle for the F1 drivers’ world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

World championship leader Lando Norris has a 12-point advantage over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is four points ahead of McLaren’s second driver Oscar Piastri.

All three of them will go into Sunday’s race at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit with a chance of winning the coveted title.

While Norris is the favourite, thanks to his 12-point lead, Verstappen will also fancy his chances, especially after his back-to-back wins in Las Vegas and Qatar, which saw him roar back into contention.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen before a practice session  on Friday.

Piastri still has a shot at the title, but it’s not going to be easy for the Australian driver on Sunday.

Brown, while talking to reporters on Friday, said the team would not interfere with their drivers — Norris and Piastri — if both of them keep their respective chances alive in the race.

"In the sense of team orders, as long as both drivers have a chance to win the world championship – which they clearly do sitting here right now – then it's business as usual, and they're free to race," said Brown.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri poses for a selfie with fans in Abu Dhabi.

But if only one of them gets into a promising position, then Brown’s team will make a big decision.

"Obviously, we’ll be practical and realistic. If, as the weekend develops, as the race develops, it becomes clear that one has a significantly better chance than another, then we're a team that wants to win the drivers' championship, and we will race accordingly to do whatever we can to get whoever that driver is in front to try and win the race,” he said.

"Our team orders have been around giving equal opportunity to win the championship, but as the race plays out, if it becomes clear that both can't, then we're going to do what's in the best interest of the team and try and win the drivers' championship."

With the 12-point lead, Norris can win his maiden world title by producing a podium finish.

But if the British driver misses out on a podium place, Dutchman Verstappen can win a record-equalling fifth straight world title by grabbing the first place in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Abu Dhabi GP: Norris sets the pace, but Verstappen remains solid Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Over 1,600% spike in hotel rates, limited parking on F1 weekend Abu Dhabi GP: How Emiratis and expats come together to help F1 fans