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McLaren's first drivers' title in 17 years hangs in balance
Either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri could deliver McLaren its first Formula 1 drivers' championship since Lewis Hamilton's 2008 triumph when the season concludes in Abu Dhabi this Sunday.
Norris dismisses team order requests
The 26-year-old Briton, who leads Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 12 points and teammate Piastri by 16, stated he would not ask Piastri to yield position even if it meant securing the title.
"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."
Lando Norris
Norris acknowledged the decision rests with Piastri, who trails in the standings but remains mathematically in contention.
Title scenarios and mathematical possibilities
With 25 points awarded for a win and 18 for second place, all three drivers-Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri-remain in the hunt. Norris must finish on the podium to guarantee his first championship but risks losing if Verstappen wins and he places fourth or lower.
Piastri, meanwhile, needs a victory and for Norris to finish sixth or worse to claim the title. The Australian, who rebounded with a strong performance in Qatar, admitted the team has not discussed potential team orders.
Norris open to reciprocating if roles were reversed
Despite his stance, Norris suggested he would move aside if Piastri were in a position to win the championship.
"Personally, I think I would, just because I feel I'm always like that. That's just how I am."
Lando Norris
Norris has staged a remarkable comeback since retiring at the Dutch Grand Prix in August, securing podiums in Monza, Singapore, and Austin before back-to-back wins in Mexico and Brazil.
Verstappen's path to a record-tying fifth consecutive title
Verstappen, who trailed Piastri by 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, has clawed his way back into contention with five victories since the summer break, including last week's win in Doha. His simplest route to the championship involves winning in Abu Dhabi while Norris finishes fourth or lower.
The Dutchman, who could match Michael Schumacher's record of five consecutive titles, joked about his unexpected return to the title fight.
"After Zandvoort, everything was cancelled. My dad is rallying in Africa. My mum is happy with the dogs. Of course, they always support me; my mum always lights a candle before every race weekend. But I guess they trust their son."
Max Verstappen
Norris remains philosophical about potential defeat
Norris insisted that even if Verstappen prevails, it would not diminish his own efforts or outlook.
"Doesn't change anything, doesn't change my life. So he'll deserve it over us."
Lando Norris
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, running from December 5 to 7, will decide the championship, with live coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website.
