If either Norris or Oscar Piastri wins the title this weekend, it will mark McLaren's first title since Hamilton claimed it all the way back in 2008.
McLaren star Lando Norris has made it clear he does not envision a scenario where he would request fellow driver Oscar Piastri to let him past to facilitate his drivers' championship bid.
The 26-year-old Briton presently enjoys a twelve-point lead over Red Bull's Max Verstappen and a 16-point cushion over Piastri as they approach this weekend's finale in Abu Dhabi.
Each of the three drivers remain in the hunt for the title, with a maximum of twenty-five points on offer for a race win and 18 for the runner-up spot.
The Briton must finish on the podium at the Yas Marina Circuit to be certain of securing his first-ever Formula One title; he would lose out if, for instance, Verstappen wins and he comes home in fourth place.
In a scenario where Piastri was placed ahead than his team-mate in either P2 or P3 with Verstappen leading, the team theoretically could instruct the Australian to allow Norris through.
"The decision isn't mine and I won't be making that request," stated Lando Norris on media day. "I don't want to ask it because I don't think it's particularly a reasonable request."
"It's unclear. It's up to Oscar if he would be willing to permit it, right?" he added.
The Outsider's Viewpoint
Piastri is now the longest shot to capture his first championship, as the 24-year-old must take victory on race day and for his team-mate to finish sixth or lower.
"It is not a topic we have discussed," said Piastri, who was back on form in Qatar and should have won the race but ultimately placed as runner-up to Verstappen after a poor strategy call.
"Until I know what might be required, I don't have an answer," he said.
A Reversed Scenario
However, Lando Norris said if the roles were reversed and it was Piastri who was looking for help in the decider, he would be prepared to move aside.
"Personally, I think I would, just because I think I'm always like that. That's just how I am," he affirmed.
He was thirty-four points adrift of his team-mate following his DNF at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August but top-three finishes at Italy, Singapore, and the US, coupled with consecutive wins in Mexico and Brazil, enabled him to regain control of the championship going into the final few races.
His goal is to become the 11th British F1 driver to be crowned world champion.
Norris originally took P2 at the Las Vegas race two weeks ago but a double disqualification for the team gave that day's race winner Max Verstappen a lifeline back into the title battle.
The three championship rivals answered questions during a busy press conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The Dutchman's Charge
The Dutchman was behind Piastri by 104 points after coming second at his home race in the Netherlands but he has pulled himself back into the fight with five victories since the summer break, including last week in Doha.
Verstappen's most straightforward path to glory is for him to take the win in Abu Dhabi and for Norris to finish fourth or lower.
"I didn't expect to be in the championship battle but here we are," joked Verstappen, who can match seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's record of five straight championships if he claims the crown in the UAE.
"Following the Dutch GP everything was cancelled. My dad is rallying in Africa. My mum is happy with the dogs," he quipped.
"Naturally, they always support me; my mother always lights a candle before every race weekend. But I guess they trust their son," he added.
Looking Ahead
Norris stated if Verstappen triumphs over him and Piastri, then they will say congratulations and "look forward to next year".
He added: "Doesn't change anything, it doesn't alter my life. So he'll deserve it over us."
