McLaren unveils secret to secure Formula 1 drivers’ title

McLaren will impose team orders, if necessary, to secure the Formula 1 drivers’ title, Reuters reported.

This was stated by team principal Zak Brown, who added that the aim is also to end Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s streak of consecutive championship titles, CE Report quotes BTA.

The Dutchman is second in the standings, positioned between the two McLaren drivers — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen has 396 points, 12 fewer than Norris and 4 more than Piastri ahead of the final Grand Prix of the season.

“We want to win the drivers’ championship. If we go into the race and it becomes clear that one driver has a chance and the other doesn’t, we will do whatever is necessary to win the title. It would be crazy not to,” Brown said.

Lando Norris will secure the first championship title of his career if he finishes on the podium, while his teammate Oscar Piastri needs a first or second place to remain in contention.

Brown added that Formula 1 has always been a team sport, reducing the risk of fan dissatisfaction.

“If one of them cannot win, he will want the other to do it. That is what the team wants as well. And they are team players — we saw that last year. I don’t think it’s unusual in any sport for teammates to make sacrifices to give the team what it needs,” the American concluded.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on Sunday and will conclude the 2026 Formula 1 season.