McLaren refuses to change course in Abu Dhabi: "They are free to fight on the track"

Under the Abu Dhabi sun, there will be nothing new at McLaren regarding equality. Zak Brown pushed this neutrality to the extreme at the end of November. I want to make sure that if we don't win, it's him who beats us, and that we don't beat ourselves – that's important. "The McLaren boss asserted at the time. Fairness, whatever the cost, has already had serious consequences for the Papayas. During the Qatar Grand Prix, the Woking team, in the name of this same impartiality, refused to call one of its drivers into the pits under the safety car, at the risk of disadvantaging the other. On equal terms once again, Lando Norris et Oscar piastri will compete for the world championship title Formula 1 during the final in Abu Dhabi.

The Briton, however, enters this final race with a 16-point lead over the Australian. Yet, the Papays continue to advocate for strict fairness at this pivotal moment in the season. In terms of team orders, as long as both drivers have a chance of winning the World Championship – which is clearly the case at the moment – ​​then nothing changes. says Zak Brown. They are free to fight on the track.

The McLaren boss nevertheless clarified the content of the famous papaya rules. “Our team instructions have always been to give both our drivers an equal chance to win the championship. If, as the race progresses, it becomes clear that neither of them can achieve it, we will do what is in the best interest of the team.” "Zak Brown is therefore not completely ruling out the possibility of intervening on behalf of one of his drivers if the situation requires it." We're not going to sacrifice a Drivers' Championship if one of our drivers doesn't have a chance to win. he nuances.

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Two for all, all for one

Nothing is ever decided until the checkered flag in Formula 1, and history has proven it. In 2010, four contenders were in contention for the title before the final race: Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel et Lewis HamiltonTo everyone's surprise, the German ultimately won. Zak Brown also doesn't rule out the possibility of history repeating itself at Yas Marina. We've seen many times over the years, three drivers making it to the final race. The driver in third place won the championship, so no [we're not going to support any one in particular]. »

It's also worth remembering that McLaren has repeatedly issued controversial team orders, notably in Hungary last year and at Monza (Italy) this season, which the Papayas have always complied with – whether willingly or not. Our drivers have always respected the team's wishes, just as we respect theirs. the American hopes. I have no doubt that one or the other of our drivers will continue to race as they have brilliantly done, in the best interest of the team. "With a world title at stake, will they be able to play as a team and step aside for the benefit of the other at the decisive moment?"

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