Norris and Piastri Withdraw from Media Duties as Abu Dhabi Title Pressure Intensifies
McLaren’s driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have scaled back their usual media activities as the tension surrounding this weekend’s decisive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to rise. For the first time since the dramatic finale of 2021, the Formula 1 world heads into the final race of the season with three drivers still mathematically in contention for the crown, and McLaren have opted to shield their title contenders from any external distractions.
The 2025 campaign concludes once again at the famed Yas Marina Circuit, a venue known for producing high-pressure championship deciders. After the penultimate race in Qatar, Norris retained his position at the top of the standings with 408 points, but his lead is far from comfortable. Max Verstappen, determined to reclaim the title he lost last year, sits just 12 points behind, while Norris’ teammate Piastri remains firmly in the hunt with 392 points, only four points behind the Dutchman.
In simple mathematical terms, Norris’ task this weekend is straightforward: a podium finish on Sunday guarantees him his first-ever Formula 1 World Championship. Yet, the psychological weight of the moment is far heavier than the numbers suggest. The 26-year-old Brit has never entered a season finale leading the championship, and that unfamiliar pressure has placed him under an intense spotlight from fans and the global media—scrutiny that appears to have taken a toll in recent days.
Throughout the year, McLaren have faced accusations of favouring Norris over Piastri, an allegation the team has consistently denied. However, the situation escalated earlier this week when an explosive report from Australian outlet CODE Sports alleged that Piastri had been “banned” from engaging with Australian journalists ahead of the season finale. This claim quickly circulated online, fueling speculation that McLaren were attempting to control the narrative surrounding their drivers during the title showdown.
As rumours swirled, clarity finally emerged on Thursday: both Norris and Piastri will not be speaking to any media beyond their mandatory appearance in the official FIA press conference. This means no one-on-one interviews, no national media exclusives, and no extended press breakouts. After Thursday’s session, the drivers will effectively go into media lockdown until after the championship is settled.
McLaren declined to issue an official statement when contacted by GPFans, but Sky Sports F1 reporter Rachel Brookes addressed the situation directly from the paddock. Writing on X, she emphasised that early reports had been misleading, stating:
> “Seen some erroneous reports in the media. Just to clarify, other than the official FIA press conference where both drivers will appear, McLaren have denied access to either driver to ALL media to allow them to focus on the weekend.”
The announcement signals McLaren’s commitment to ensuring their drivers remain fully concentrated on the title fight rather than being swept up in the media storm surrounding team orders, inter-team politics, or off-track drama.
During the packed Thursday FIA press conference, the championship rivals—Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen—answered a barrage of questions ranging from their mental preparation to the handling of team orders in a high-stakes scenario. The McLaren duo appeared measured and composed, though visibly aware of the gravity of what lies ahead.
Norris reiterated a stance he has held for most of the season: he would not feel comfortable winning the championship if it required Piastri to give up a race victory. However, with the championship so tight and McLaren fighting for their first drivers’ title since 2008, the possibility of team orders looms large. Whether the team will intervene on Sunday is something only race circumstances will determine.
Meanwhile, Piastri enters the finale as both an internal challenger and a team player. He remains mathematically capable of winning the crown himself, but his chances depend heavily on how the race unfolds for both his teammate and Verstappen. McLaren find themselves in a delicate position: balancing the desire for individual fairness with the strategic importance of securing a championship they have pursued for more than a decade.
As the paddock prepares for the most consequential race of the year, the standings remain razor-thin:
1. Lando Norris – 408 points
2. Max Verstappen – 396 points
3. Oscar Piastri – 392 points
With all three contenders still alive in the fight and the highest pressure imaginable bearing down on the McLaren camp, Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to an already unforgettable 2025 season.
