Oscar Piastri confirms EXTRA McLaren meeting after Max Verstappen P…read more
Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren will hold an additional internal meeting ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following Max Verstappen’s pole-position effort that has intensified the championship showdown. The Australian revealed after qualifying that the team still needs to finalise its strategic stance for the title decider, particularly regarding whether team orders will be enforced. Although Piastri hopes he will not be restricted by instructions, he acknowledges that everything remains on the table given the incredibly tight state of the championship.
A Three-Way Title Battle on the Line
The final race of the 2025 Formula 1 season arrives with three drivers still mathematically in the fight for the championship—Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s blistering pace earned him the top spot on the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit, but despite starting from pole, the reigning champion finds himself 12 points behind Norris in the standings. For Verstappen to claim a fifth consecutive title, he needs a strong finish and a bit of fortune.
Norris, starting alongside Verstappen on the front row, holds the most straightforward scenario: a podium finish of any kind would deliver him his first F1 world championship. Any result outside the top three opens the door for Verstappen. Meanwhile, Piastri, trailing his teammate by 16 points, remains an outside contender who must depend not only on his own performance but also on the finishing positions of the two rivals ahead of him.
Mixed Messages Inside the McLaren Camp
Throughout the Abu Dhabi weekend, McLaren’s strategic approach has been a major talking point. During Thursday’s media day, both Norris and Piastri remained tight-lipped when asked whether the team would implement team orders. Their reluctance to give specifics fuelled speculation, especially with the stakes so high.
Team principal Andrea Stella attempted to take a more neutral stance, suggesting the drivers were free to race each other normally. According to Stella, McLaren prefers its drivers to compete fairly unless absolutely necessary. However, that message didn’t fully align with the remarks made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown. Speaking earlier in the weekend, Brown suggested that team directives could indeed be used if they offered the best chance of delivering the championship to one of his drivers. He stressed that the team would be “crazy” not to consider orchestrating the race if it meant improving their odds.
The ambiguity left fans, pundits, and even the drivers unsure of how McLaren would approach the final race. After qualifying, the uncertainty remained. The team had not concluded whether team orders would be implemented, prompting the need for yet another high-level discussion.
Piastri Acknowledges Crucial Meeting Before the Race
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after qualifying, Piastri was asked whether he planned to challenge Norris at the start of the race. His response was cautious but honest. “I haven’t thought that far ahead,” he admitted. “Of course I want to win the championship—that’s what we all work for. But it’s not just about winning a race. I need certain results to fall my way.”
Piastri confirmed that McLaren has scheduled an additional meeting specifically to address the possibility of enforcing team orders during the Grand Prix. “We’ll be discussing everything soon,” he said. “Right now I don’t have a definite answer. All I know is that if neither Max nor Lando finishes ahead of me, I still have a shot. It’s always a tough decision when team orders come into play, but we’ll sort it out before the race.”
Pressure Mounts as McLaren Weighs Every Scenario
With both of its drivers still mathematically alive in the championship, McLaren faces a delicate challenge. Allowing them to race freely risks them slowing each other down or exposing themselves to unnecessary danger. However, imposing team orders risks internal tension, particularly with Piastri still believing in his own chances.
The team’s leadership must weigh whether prioritizing one driver—most likely Norris, given his points advantage—is the most logical route. Alternatively, they could attempt to balance the scales, though doing so could weaken their strategic position against Verstappen and Red Bull.
A Grand Finale Set for Drama
As Formula 1 prepares for the final race of the season, the atmosphere around Yas Marina is charged with tension and anticipation. With Verstappen on pole, Norris right beside him, and Piastri lurking behind with fading but real hope, the final twist of the 2025 championship is poised to be dramatic.
McLaren’s upcoming meeting may ultimately define the outcome—not just of a race, but of an entire season. Whether the team opts for unrestricted racing or a united strategic front, every decision now carries championship-level weight.
