McLaren would rather lose the drivers championship to Max Verstappen than enforce team orders to guarantee either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri the title.

The McLaren drivers have been locked in what had appeared to be an exclusive duel for the title this season, with Norris retaking the title lead in Mexico City for the first time in 15 rounds to head Piastri by one point.

But Verstappen has surged into contention late to complicate the title equation. Aided by an upgraded Red Bull Racing car, the defending champion has slashed his deficit from its peak of 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix to just 36 points with four rounds remaining.

If Verstappen were to continue gaining on the McLaren drivers at the same rate, he would claim a fifth consecutive championship in Abu Dhabi.

The si

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