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McLaren is prepared to deploy Oscar Piastri to aid Lando Norris's title bid if a situation arises in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where the Australian driver can no more claim the title.

In the current campaign, McLaren has followed a policy of equal opportunity between its pilots, keen to give both the optimal chance of winning their debut title.

However, Norris has a 16-point lead over Piastri going into the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen situated between them, behind the Norris by 12 points.

Team Principal Outlines Race Approach

Zak Brown of McLaren stated: "Provided that both drivers have a opportunity to win the title, then it's free competition and they're free to race."

He elaborated: "When the race progresses, it becomes clear that only one can, we will do everything possible to make sure the team claims the drivers' championship."

"We're going to use common sense," Brown emphasized. "We won't throw away a drivers' championship over a lower position or anything similar if one of the drivers no longer has the possibility."

Possible Race Outcomes

There are a number of possible scenarios where Piastri ceding positions to Norris could block Verstappen from securing the title.

• The most obvious scenario is if Verstappen is winning the race, Piastri is in the top three, and Norris is just outside the podium.
• If Verstappen finishes first, Norris needs to be third to clinching the title. In that scenario, McLaren would request Piastri to cede position.
• Another situation would be if Norris was in eighth place, Verstappen was in P2, and Piastri was ahead of Norris but behind Verstappen.

Following Instructions

Brown said he was sure that Piastri would comply with any such request.

"Lando and Oscar have always complied with team decisions just as we respect their wishes," Brown remarked. "I thus have no doubt that any of our drivers will continue to race as they have done excellently in the optimal benefit of the team."

Earlier in the week, Norris himself said that he would not personally demand himself "because I don't think it's inherently a justifiable ask."

The stage is set for a tense conclusion to the Formula 1 season at the Yas Marina Circuit.