Two laps to go in Abu Dhabi: Max Verstappen is profitable, Oscar Piastri is second, George Russell is third with Lando Norris fourth. Does Oscar get ordered to let each vehicles previous? – Chris

McLaren crew principal Andrea Stella reiterated after Qatar – as he has carried out umpteen occasions this season – McLaren’s coverage of equity to each drivers, and their dedication to provide each the prospect to pursue their targets.

“In relation to the truth that we have now two drivers within the quest for the World Championship, our philosophy and our method is not going to change,” Stella mentioned.

“Oscar, from a factors standpoint, is certainly in situation to win the title. Now we have seen earlier than within the historical past of Components 1 that when you might have this type of scenario, generally it is the third one (within the championship going into the ultimate race) that truly wins.

“Now we have seen it, I feel, in 2007, in 2010. And Oscar is quick, he deserves to have the ability to simply realise his efficiency.

“We’ll let the drivers be in situation to race one another, however above all, what’s vital for us is that we’re in situation to beat Verstappen with one among our two drivers.”

McLaren need to be honest to each drivers, however in addition they need to guarantee one among their drivers wins the title.

Meaning some fascinating conundrums might come up through the race.

Within the situation talked about, with Piastri and Mercedes’ Russell in whichever order, Verstappen would win the title, tied on factors with Norris however with yet one more win.

But when Piastri moved over and let Norris into third, then Norris can be champion.

On the identical time, it is price taking into account that Piastri profitable the race may assist Norris win the title, as a result of in that situation, Norris would wish to complete solely fifth, even when Verstappen was second.

McLaren’s complete tradition is predicated on transparency and truthfulness. It is also primarily based on speaking and ensuring all potential situations are thought of forward of time.

However what can be the result of these discussions? Would McLaren ask Piastri to try this? Absolutely sure.

Would Piastri volunteer himself to do it, given how strongly each McLaren drivers have expressed their dedication to the crew and their tradition this season?

Clearly, I do not and may’t know the reply.

If he didn’t, it might danger exploding every little thing the drivers and crew bosses have mentioned and labored for all yr.

However within the stress of a title decider, judgement can go awry, for anybody, in or out of the automobile.

Let’s not overlook that in one of many conditions Stella cites – 2007 – one thing very comparable occurred.

Within the last race in Brazil, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was main the race going into the ultimate pit stops, together with his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in second.

Had they completed in that order, and the remainder of the locations stayed the identical, Lewis Hamilton would have taken the title for McLaren, tied on factors with team-mate Fernando Alonso, however profitable on outcomes countback.

So Ferrari manipulated their pit stops so Raikkonen took the win, and the title.