With both drivers competing, Zak Brown reiterates the golden rule: "Don't touch each other." 

The final countdown has begun ahead of the last Grand Prix of the 2025 season. F1In Abu Dhabi, three drivers will battle for a single trophy. With the advantage in the standings, Lando Norris However, it did not manage to equal Max Verstappen, untouchable in qualifying at Yas Marina. Zak Brown, however, displayed his confidence after Saturday's session. We have a good race car. We need to get a good start, complete the first lap, and then things will fall into place. affirms the papaya leader. We have a slight advantage strategically, and we'll see what happens. It's going to be a real nail-biter. »

Max Verstappen qualified superbly, outperforming the McLaren two tenths of a second off his best lap. Lando is disappointed not to have gotten pole position. Oscar is too. Zak Brown confides. There was perhaps a bit of nervousness at the start of Q1. Then everything calmed down and things returned to normal. Max completed two spectacular laps. He was worried about the slipstream he had received from tsunoda But he didn't need it the second time. Let's hope they've prepared a perfect lap for pole position and that they'll pay the price tomorrow. I'm not so sure, though. »

Regardless of the rest of the grid, the papaya rules, governing interactions between cars of the same color, will apply in the race, at least at the beginning… Everything is still to play for. It's therefore obvious that we mustn't touch each other. "emphasizes the CEO of McLaren Racing.

What about team orders at McLaren?

Max Verstappen, for his part, will be isolated against the McLarens. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda having helped him in qualifying, he sacrificed his first flying lap and only managed tenth on the starting grid after his final attempt was deleted due to track limits. Conversely, the McLarens will be in a position to help each other. If it becomes clear that one or the other is in a position where they can or cannot win, then we will consider the strategy. declares the American manager. However, the Woking-based team did not plan to change course as long as its two drivers were in contention, but nothing is ruled out if the team's interests must be prioritized, contradicting the fairness advocated throughout the season. For now, everything is still up in the air. However, the McLaren director added a caveat. We need to go for it. »

For the time being, Oscar piastri can still aim for a first world title, giving him extra motivation in his pursuit of the driver Red Bull. " Oscar's state of mind is certainly: 'I have to win'. If he wins, it takes points away from Max, which means Lando doesn't even need to finish third. explains Zak Brown. These are two different mentalities. The field is very tight.. At the slightest lapse in concentration or if you're too conservative, you'll be swallowed up by the cars behind, because it's really close. Max is a smart driver, not just fast. So we'll be ready for anything. »

While most scenarios favor Lando Norris, who currently leads the standings, a victory for Max Verstappen remains entirely possible. Faced with the Red Bull threat, McLaren will then have to choose between maintaining its policy of impartiality between its drivers or intervening to secure the title at all costs. The answer will come at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which starts at 14:00 PM (Paris time).

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