McLaren boss Zak Brown has finally spoken out about team orders ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Heading into the weekend, Lando Norris had a 24-point lead over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen at the top of the standings.
However, after Saturday's Sprint, the gap has now been cut to 22 points after Piastri rediscovered his mojo to win the 19-lap event.
Meanwhile, Norris finished third behind George Russell but crucially, ahead of Verstappen.
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Later on Saturday evening, Piastri again stole the show as he secured pole position ahead of Norris and Verstappen.
Earlier in the week, the topic of team orders was put to Piastri, who said: "We've had a very brief discussion and the answer is no. I'm still equal on points with Max and got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way.
"That's how we play it."
Prior to qualifying, McLaren boss Brown was asked about potential team orders due to Norris' more advantageous position in the world title fight.
The American then revealed that the message was simple: the team will let Norris and Piastri race.
He said: "There’s not much to manage. Just let them race.
"We actually haven’t discussed not doing anything other than both guys racing. So I don’t know if that particular quote (Piastri response) was taking out of context or what the question was, but boys’ve been free to race since Australia."
Brown continued: They’re free to race now. As I mentioned, there is three different drivers that can lead this championship coming out of this weekend, therefore how can you do anything other than continue to let them race."
Reflecting on his own qualifying session, championship leader Norris said: "I just had a bit of understeer and was going to go off so I had to abort. Which was a shame, but it's the way that it is.
"Oscar did a good lap, drove very well and has been driving well all weekend. Nothing to complain about, just didn't do the lap, and still P2 for tomorrow."
Topics: McLaren, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Formula 1
Marcus Chan