Some fans have voiced a problem with the general principle of a driver aiding his team-mate’s title hopes, believing that if a driver cannot win it for himself and has to rely on outside help, it’s not a worthy title. I have a certain amount of sympathy for that view and I believe Norris should absolutely not be relying on that help to win the title — but trying to do it by putting himself in a position where he doesn’t need the help. He also needs not to be relying on the decisions of the stewards in matters of driving etiquette – such as in his dice with Verstappen in Austria. Even if it was unfair. F1 titles are rarely delivered on a plate.
The point should be made that Norris has overall out-performed Piastri this season. Just not always. And furthermore, there have been races Norris should have won but didn’t – as he himself is always quick to point out.
“Selfishly, as a driver, team orders are not that fun, but I realise that there’s a much bigger picture here than just myself,” said Piastri. “I’m happy to play a supporting role at this point of the season. Any earlier in the season, it would have been probably excessive, but now it’s an appropriate time to try and help the team win both championships.”
All very worthy. But… there is one situation where the policy and the reality might clash. If they are running 1-2 with Piastri ahead, the policy says he does not need to give up the place. But when it comes to it, does Piastri decide to take the win? As a personal choice, not one ordered by the team. Knowing he could be denying Norris the title and handing it to Verstappen? If he does that, a lot of critical attention is going to put on him, and not just the team. That’s a big thing to ask a driver to shoulder.