McLaren splits data in Abu Dhabi as Lando Norris–Oscar Piastri title fight explodes. McLaren adopts an unprecedented approach for the Abu Dhabi finale.

F1 | McLaren declares open war: an unprecedented decision introduced

The Abu Dhabi season finale marks the end of one of the most intense championship battles of recent years. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri arrive at the last race with a real chance to deliver McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008. Max Verstappen remains the only outsider capable of ruining McLaren’s celebrations.

For this decisive round, the team has opted not to alter its internal approach, despite the growing tension surrounding the title duel. Both drivers will be completely free to play their own cards without restrictions. However, there will be one major change: no set-up data will be exchanged between the two cars.

After the Qatar Grand Prix, the Woking factory conducted several simulations, including dynamic simulations. These tests produced the two base set-ups chosen by the drivers, along with all the possible variations needed to optimise them.

Separate data to prevent internal advantages

The Abu Dhabi novelty is clear. As reported by Paolo Filisetti, McLaren has decided to completely separate the data in order to avoid favouring one driver over the other. Simulator results and dynamic bench material will be handed exclusively to each driver’s dedicated group of engineers.

This rule will remain valid throughout the entire weekend, at least until the finalisation of the set-up for qualifying. There will be no technical exchanges. No joint comparisons. Briefings will take place separately inside the McLaren hospitality area, each driver accompanied only by their own engineering team.

It is an unprecedented decision for the team. A way to ensure both drivers enjoy the fairest conditions possible to express their full potential.

On the subject of team orders, the position is unambiguous. There will be no intervention after the start. Norris and Piastri will be free to race. This freedom will remain intact during the central phase of the race. It will only cease if Piastri is no longer in contention for the title in the final stint. Only at that point might McLaren intervene to protect its championship chances.

A season finale unlike anything the team has experienced

McLaren’s choice highlights a precise objective: giving both drivers identical conditions and identical technical autonomy, while at the same time trying to secure the drivers’ title in the cleanest possible way.

Norris and Piastri will therefore approach Abu Dhabi with two separate set-ups, two separate briefings and two completely independent technical paths. It is a new philosophy for McLaren, and also proof of how determined the team is to reach the final showdown without any internal shadows.

The world championship will be decided between Norris, Piastri and Verstappen. And McLaren has chosen to place the entire responsibility for the outcome in the hands of its drivers.