F1 drivers championship - possible dilemma at McLaren

[QuestionSocratic]

As of today (October 27) Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are separated by one point, with Max Verstaffen in striking distance in third place (35 points behind). It's not too difficult to imagine that going into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, the standings would still be this close, such that the higher finish between Norris and Piastri would be the season champion. Throw in a scenario where Verstaffen could secure the championship by winning the race and having Norris and Piastri crash out and DNF.

Which gets to team orders. How does McLaren handle a situation where going into the final laps, Norris and Piastri are P1 and P2, and separated by less than a second. Both drivers will be in position to win with the P2 taking every chance to overtake P1. Could the unthinkable happen and Norris and Piastri crash, allowing Verstaffen to win. Does McLaren order the P2 to not race?

 

[obxyankeefan]

As of today (October 27) Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are separated by one point, with Max Verstaffen in striking distance in third place (35 points behind). It's not too difficult to imagine that going into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, the standings would still be this close, such that the higher finish between Norris and Piastri would be the season champion. Throw in a scenario where Verstaffen could secure the championship by winning the race and having Norris and Piastri crash out and DNF.

Which gets to team orders. How does McLaren handle a situation where going into the final laps, Norris and Piastri are P1 and P2, and separated by less than a second. Both drivers will be in position to win with the P2 taking every chance to overtake P1. Could the unthinkable happen and Norris and Piastri crash, allowing Verstaffen to win. Does McLaren order the P2 to not race?

It depends on who is P2. If it is Norris, McLaren allows them to race. If it is Piastri, McLaren tells him to protect Norris. The FIA showed that they will do what they can to keep Verstappen out of it. That last la VSC cost Verstappen 2nd and Piasti 4th.

 

[BigKen]

It all depends on who McLaren wants to be the face of the team during the off season months. A Brit, Norris or an Aussie, Piasti. They don't care who wins as long as it's one of their drivers and of course, want first and second. Things could go to hell in a handbasket if Verstaffen wins for Red Bull and Ferrari boxes out McLaren at the finish.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

As of today (October 27) Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are separated by one point, with Max Verstaffen in striking distance in third place (35 points behind). It's not too difficult to imagine that going into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, the standings would still be this close, such that the higher finish between Norris and Piastri would be the season champion. Throw in a scenario where Verstaffen could secure the championship by winning the race and having Norris and Piastri crash out and DNF.

Which gets to team orders. How does McLaren handle a situation where going into the final laps, Norris and Piastri are P1 and P2, and separated by less than a second. Both drivers will be in position to win with the P2 taking every chance to overtake P1. Could the unthinkable happen and Norris and Piastri crash, allowing Verstaffen to win. Does McLaren order the P2 to not race?

I think if Piastri is in 1st. He would win the championship.
I think if Piastri is 2nd. He wrecks into them both & if Verstappen is can pass for points he does.
Piastri is the far more dangerous one when chasing.

 

[Hank Kingsley]

They have to let them race.

They already have the constructors title.

Not fair to play a favourite at this stage.