Piastri still waiting on team orders decision ahead of Abu Dhabi showdown

Oscar Piastri admits he’s still in the dark about potential McLaren team orders for Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“I don’t know exactly what is expected of me yet,” the Australian told GPblog after qualifying. “Until either Lando or Max crosses the line in front of me, I still have a chance of winning the title, so we’ll see how the race pans out.”

Despite sitting 16 points behind teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings, Piastri believes the team needs to have a clear discussion before the lights go out.

“I’m sure we will talk about it. I think it makes a lot of sense to talk about that one before the race,” he said.

McLaren faces a delicate situation with both drivers still mathematically in the title hunt, though Norris represents their best shot at beating Max Verstappen to the crown.

Verstappen didn’t make things any easier for the McLaren duo by storming to pole position for Sunday’s race.

Norris open to team backing

Norris, meanwhile, has made it clear he’d welcome some team support in his championship battle.

The British driver, fighting for his first-ever F1 drivers’ title, admitted earlier that while no formal conversation about team orders has happened yet, he’d appreciate the help in his quest to overcome Verstappen’s advantage.

With just one race remaining in the season, the tension in the McLaren garage is palpable as they navigate the complex dynamics of supporting Norris while respecting Piastri’s own slim title chances.

The championship drama adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an action-packed season finale under the lights at Yas Marina.