Oscar Piastri confirms that discussions have indeed taken place within McLaren about team orders. The topic came up repeatedly after the GP Las Vegas. Max Verstappen‘s victory on the street circuit in the desert city – coupled with the disqualification of the McLarens – resulted in the Dutchman equalling the Australian’s points in the drivers’ championship.
Yet, McLaren sticks to its trusted approach, and the two drivers are free to fight for the title. ‘There is still a chance,’ Piastri remains optimistic about his own title chances. This title fight continues in Qatar after the thrilling GP Las Vegas. Lando Norris is still the big favourite, although Max Verstappen is getting closer to the Brit in the championship. The reigning world champion is even on par with other title rival Oscar Piastri. Both drivers need to make up 24 points on the championship leader.
Now that Verstappen poses an increasing threat to Norris’s first world title, McLaren’s controversial ‘papaya rules’ are being discussed again. Should the team not abandon these and favour Norris to secure the title? Piastri reveals that this was discussed within the team prior to the race in Qatar.
The Answer is ‘No’
“We had a very short discussion and the answer is ‘no’,” the Australian clearly tells the media that McLaren will not change its approach for Qatar either. “I’m still tied in points with Max Verstappen and still have a reasonable chance of winning if everything goes my way. There’s still a chance. That’s how it’s gone a few times before. I know it’s not impossible, of course. I also know that a lot needs to happen. Even if I have two perfect weekends, I can’t rely on that alone.”
Should Daniel Ricciardo in Abu Dhabi end up with the same number of points as his teammate, the number of Grand Prix victories this season will be the deciding factor. Both McLaren drivers currently have seven race wins in 2025. “I need other things to work out in my favor, and I’m very aware of that,” the Australian continues. “For me, that just means trying to have the best possible weekends, which I try to do every time, and then wait and see what happens with the rest.”
