McLaren address team orders stance after Las Vegas disqualification setback

McLaren has denied that it will seek to implement team orders at the final rounds of the 2025 F1 campaign.

The declaration comes despite Max Verstappen's enhanced threat in the drivers' championship following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Both McLaren drivers were disqualified from the race due to excessive skid block wear, while Verstappen took maximum points after sealing his sixth victory of the season.

The Dutchman is now level on points with Oscar Piastri and is only 24 points down on championship leader Lando Norris.

With just two rounds remaining before the end of the season, McLaren has asserted it will not move to favour one driver in an effort to hold off Verstappen.

“No, there is no reason to do so,” Stella said.

“We have always said that as long as the maths does not say otherwise, we would leave it up to the two drivers to fight for their chance at the final victory, and that is how it will be in Qatar.

“Let’s not forget that if someone had told us at the start of the season that we would find ourselves in this situation with two races to go, we would have signed up for it.

“Now we are going to fight for the double world championship with confidence and awareness of our strength.”

McLaren highlight 'no blame culture' after DSQ pain

McLaren's dominant campaign has already seen it seal the constructors' championship, a feat it achieved several races ago in Singapore.

Its push for a first drivers' championship since 2008 is proving to be more strenuous, with Verstappen making himself a factor in the fight since the summer break.

Having been offered a boost following McLaren's disqualification, Verstappen now has a chance to secure a fifth consecutive F1 title.

Stella reaffirmed his confidence in the McLaren team to hold off the Dutchman as he insisted no person is to blame for the setback in Las Vegas.

“Walking around the factory this week, I was particularly impressed by how deep and strong the cultural foundation of the team was,” Stella said.

“The reaction has been entirely focused on picking up the learning, dismissing any negativity, and making sure we come out stronger from this kind of situation. 

“I was very glad to see how the team has become a mature group of united and forward-thinking racers. 

“Episodes like this make you grow. They are painful, there is no point in hiding it, but pain is also part of our sport. 

“There is no blame culture at McLaren, but rather a culture of constant progress and growth.

“I am sure that each and every one of us can't wait for Friday afternoon in Qatar to arrive, so that we can give Lando and Oscar the best possible car, to enable them to be the only drivers capable of winning the world title.