Story byKieran JacksonThu, December 4, 2025 at 8:28 AM UTC·2 min readGeorge Russell says McLaren should not implement team orders and interfere with this Sunday’s F1 title-decider in Abu Dhabi. McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the world championship by 12 points to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, while Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri is a further four points off in third place. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Norris only needing a podium to secure his maiden title, it has been suggested that McLaren could instruct Piastri to allow Norris past, should the necessity arise, in Sunday’s race. George Russell says McLaren shouldn’t interfere with the F1 title race (Getty)This would go against McLaren’s steadfast policy of fair treatment towards both drivers all season. Mercedes driver Russell, who could have a say at the top of the leaderboard come the chequered flag on Sunday, believes it is too late for McLaren to change their approach now.“I think it would be unfair to either driver [Lando or Oscar],” Russell told The Independent and a small group of British journalists on Thursday morning in Abu Dhabi. “If Max wins, he deserves to win. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“If they’re in the position that Max is on course to win, and Oscar can allow Lando… I wouldn’t want to win a championship because my teammate has pulled over, especially if he’s been my rival that year.“When it’s clearly someone who’s been a number two all season, I think that’s fine.
