Oscar Piastri confirms McLaren team orders chat ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri says he will discuss potential team orders with McLaren before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race begins
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Oscar Piastri has confirmed that he will discuss potential team orders with McLaren ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Australian driver is set to start the race at the Yas Marina Circuit from third on the grid behind polesitter Max Verstappen and his team-mate Lando Norris.
Both McLaren drivers are in the running for the drivers' title along with Verstappen. Norris just needs to finish on the podium to secure the championship, whereas Piastri either needs to win and Norris be sixth or lower or come second and Norris finish 10th or lower, and Verstappen fourth or lower, to win.
A popular topic heading into the race is whether McLaren will continue its equal support for both drivers or if it will step in and enforce team orders. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown confirmed on Friday that the team would be crazy to not enforce team orders if it became apparent that only one was in the running during the race.
Piastri confirmed that while these conversations have not taken place yet, he expects to discuss the subject with the team before the race.
"Not really sure yet. I haven't thought that far ahead," he told Sky Sports F1 when asked if he will make a move at the start of the race. "But, obviously, to try and win the championship, I need more than to just simply win the race. So, yeah, we'll see what that entails."
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images
Asked if he would be happy to follow team orders if he was asked to, he added: "I mean, we'll still discuss it. I've not had any direct discussions about that yet. But, until either Max or Lando cross the line ahead of me, then I'm still in the running. So we'll see what that looks like tomorrow."
He added: "Yeah, definitely. You know, it's obviously not the easiest decision for anybody. But, again, we'll discuss it before the race."
Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Practice & Qualifying
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