McLaren is prepared to implement team orders if necessary to clinch the Formula 1 drivers’ championship and prevent Red Bull’s Max Verstappen from claiming a fifth consecutive title, CEO Zak Brown confirmed on Friday.

Verstappen currently sits between McLaren teammates at the top of the standings—12 points behind Lando Norris and four ahead of Oscar Piastri.

When asked on Thursday whether Piastri might be asked to move aside at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris said he would not request that. Brown, however, made it clear McLaren would expect Piastri to yield if the situation demands it.

“Yes, of course. We’re realistic,” Brown told Sky Sports. “We want to win this drivers’ championship. If it becomes clear during the race that one has a chance and the other doesn’t, we’re going to do what we can to win the championship. It would be crazy not to.

“We’re not going to sacrifice the championship because we’re trying to protect third and fourth, or sixth and seventh—whatever the situation may be.”

Norris will secure the title with a top-three finish, while Piastri must win or finish second to remain in contention. Brown emphasized that Formula 1 has always been a team sport and downplayed concerns about potential fan backlash.

“If one of them can’t win, they want the other to win,” he said. “That’s what the team wants. They are team players, and we’ve already seen that last year. I don’t think it’s unusual in any sport for teammates to make sacrifices to achieve the team’s goals.”

McLaren has already wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive season, adding further motivation to ensure their drivers maximize their chances in Abu Dhabi.