Oscar Piastri has stated McLaren held a “very brief discussion” about implementing team orders in the title fight following the team's double disqualification in Las Vegas.
Piastri ended the Las Vegas race in fourth place but his car was quickly flagged for a potential technical infringement, as was team-mate Lando Norris', who ended the grand prix in second.
The McLaren duo were thrown out of the race classification, ensuring the gap between the pair remained 24 points with two rounds remaining.
However, boosted by his sixth win of the season in Vegas, Max Verstappen has now drawn level on points with Piastri and sits 24 points down on Norris with two rounds remaining.
With the Dutchman's threat now as big as ever, Piastri was asked if McLaren has talked about favouring Norris in the title fight.
“We've had a very brief discussion and the answer is no,” Piastri replied to media including RacingNews365.
“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.”
Had it not been for the double disqualification, Norris would be sitting 30 points clear of Piastri ahead of the final two rounds and in a very comfortable position to seal his first title.
Piastri still sees the scenario as a “net negative” for himself, as the Las Vegas setback has introduced Verstappen into the thick of the title fight.
“Ultimately, it's never a good thing,” Piastri said. “Having the result we had, yes, it prevents me from losing those six points to Lando.
“It also brings Max much closer into the fight. Overall, it's still a net negative.
“Obviously, just a pretty difficult weekend for the team and a painful ending.”
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