McLaren's Lando Norris won't ask teammate for F1 title help
What's the story
As the season finale in Abu Dhabi approaches, McLaren's Lando Norris has ruled out any possibility of asking his teammate Oscar Piastri for assistance in winning the drivers' championship. The Briton is currently leading Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri by 16 points. With a total of 25 points available for a race win and 18 for second place, all three remain in contention for the title.
Title tactics
Norris's championship strategy and potential team orders
Norris needs a podium finish at Yas Marina to secure his first F1 championship. However, he could lose out if Verstappen wins and he finishes fourth or lower. When asked about potential team orders, Norris told reportes, "It's not really up to me and I'm not going to ask it." "I don't want to ask it because I don't think it's necessarily a fair question. I don't know. It's up to Oscar if he would allow it, you know?"
Title prospects
Piastri's title chances and team discussions
Piastri, 24, is the underdog in the race for his first drivers' title. He needs to win on Sunday and hope Norris finishes sixth or lower. However, he said, "It's not something we have discussed," when asked about potential team orders. The Australian was in good form in Qatar but lost out to Verstappen after a strategic error by McLaren.
Team spirit
Norris's willingness to assist Piastri
Norris said he would be willing to let Piastri pass if the roles were reversed. "Personally, I think I would, just because I feel I'm always like that. That's just how I am," he said. Despite being 34 points behind Piastri after his retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix in August, podium finishes in Monza, Singapore and Austin helped him regain control of the championship heading into these final races.
Title chase
Verstappen's comeback and championship scenario
Verstappen, who was 104 points behind Piastri after finishing second at his home grand prix in the Netherlands, has made a strong comeback with five wins since the summer break. His best chance to win is if he triumphs in Abu Dhabi while Norris finishes fourth or lower. "I didn't expect to be in the title fight but here we are," joked Verstappen, who could equal Michael Schumacher's record of five consecutive drivers' titles if he wins.
Information
A look at the Championship standings after Qatar GP
After the Qatar GP main race, Norris leads the show with 408 points. Meanwhile, Verstappen steered clear of Piastri and is 2nd. He has raced to 396 points and is 12 behind Norris. Meanwhile, Piastri has dropped to third. He has 392 points.