Swap Or Stop? Lando Norris Says He'd 'Love' Team Orders, But Rejects Easy Route To First F1 Crown

Last Updated:December 05, 2025, 12:04 IST

Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the Abu Dhabi title race, refusing to ask McLaren for team orders, although he admits he would 'love' the help.

McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (AP)

Lando Norris insists he doesn’t want McLaren to lean on team orders to hand him a maiden Formula 1 world title — even if the championship decider in Abu Dhabi turns chaotic enough to make that the difference.

Norris enters the final race with a slim but crucial advantage: 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over teammate Oscar Piastri.

The math is simple: finish ahead of both, or at least inside the top three, and the Briton becomes world champion. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium; Piastri needs victory and a Norris finish of sixth or lower.

Still, the hottest topic heading into Yas Marina has been the possibility of team orders — especially in a scenario where Verstappen leads, Piastri runs third, and Norris trails in fourth. In that case, a simple swap of the McLarens would swing the title to Norris by two points.

Norris, though, isn’t pushing for it.

“No, it’s not been discussed," he said. “Honestly, I would love it, but I don’t think I would ask it. It’s up to Oscar whether he would allow it. It’s not really down to me."

He admitted he’d be willing to return the favour if roles were reversed.

“Personally, I think I would, because that’s just how I am. But I’m not going to ask — I don’t think it’s a fair question. If Max wins because of that, congrats to him, and we move on to next year."

Piastri kept his cards close to his chest.

“It’s not something we have discussed. I don’t have an answer until I know what’s expected," he said.

Verstappen admitted that if he were in Norris’ shoes, he’d be more than happy to utilise his teammate’s help to secure a world championship.

“In 20 years, you still have the trophy. It’s normal McLaren would do that."

Whether McLaren agrees? That answer may decide the world championship.

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