George Russell Advises Piastri to “Unplug His Radio”

Lando Norris says he would step aside if he were in Oscar Piastri’s position, as tension rises around potential McLaren team orders heading into a dramatic Abu Dhabi title decider.

Meanwhile, Mercedes driver George Russell insisted he would not want to win a championship by being gifted a position from a teammate, joking that Piastri should simply “unplug his radio.”

The 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its climax this weekend with three drivers still in contention for the world championship. Norris leads on 408 points, with Max Verstappen 12 behind and Piastri another four points further back.

Despite the stakes, McLaren have kept their “free to race” policy intact, even as Verstappen chases a fifth straight world title. But one scenario has raised questions: Piastri could potentially stand between Norris and his first championship.

If Verstappen wins the race and Norris finishes fourth or lower, the Dutchman becomes champion. In that case, if Piastri were running third, Norris would need his teammate to move aside to keep the title within reach.

Asked about that possibility, Norris said:

“No. It hasn’t been discussed. Honestly, I would love it. But I don’t think I would ask it because… I don’t know.
It’s up to Oscar if he would allow it. I don’t think it’s necessarily down to me.”

Norris added that he believes he would reciprocate if the roles were reversed:

“Personally I think I would because I feel like I’m always like that and that’s how I am.
I don’t want to ask it because I don’t think it’s necessarily a fair question. If that’s how it ends and Max wins, then that’s it. Congrats to him and we look forward to next year. It doesn’t change anything… He would deserve it over us.”

Piastri was also asked how he would approach such a scenario but said he needed more clarity:

“It is not something we have discussed. Until I know what’s kind of expected, I don’t have an answer until I know what is expected of me.”

Russell, who could find himself racing between the two McLarens on Sunday, offered his own view:

“It’s probably easiest to unplug the radio.
I think it would be unfair for either driver… if Max wins, he deserves the win.
If they’re in the position where Max is on course to win and Oscar can allow Lando through…

I wouldn’t want to win a championship because my teammate pulled over, especially if he’s been my rival that year. I think you’ve got to accept this is just another race.”

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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