Oscar Piastri reveals that McLaren has already dropped the repercussions for Lando Norris. The Brit received the ‘repercussions’ for contact with teammate Oscar Piastri during his overtaking move in the opening corners of the Singapore GP. However, both McLaren drivers will start with a ‘clean slate’ in Mexico City, with the focus returning to the ongoing title fight, which Max Verstappen is now also involved in. “His form since Monza certainly came as a surprise,” says Piastri.
Oscar Piastri became the first Australian championship leader since his manager Mark Webber in 2010 last April. The Melbourne-born driver has not relinquished his lead since then, although the gap to closest pursuers Lando Norris and Max Verstappen has narrowed since the summer break. Piastri is particularly surprised by the rise of the four-time world champion.
“But I think it was a surprise for everyone,” the McLaren driver adds in the press conference in Mexico City. “The form he has shown since Monza certainly came as a surprise. Earlier this year, he had this form during some races, but there were definitely lesser periods. The fact that his form is now consistently good is a surprise. Not a huge surprise, but he certainly returned to the title fight faster than expected.”
Is Piastri now more vigilant of the approaching world champion in his rear-view mirror? “I don’t really think about Max Verstappen‘s progress. He’s consistently performing well and was also very strong in Austin. But it doesn’t benefit me to worry about that. By getting the most out of myself, the team, and the car every weekend, I can win the championship. Shifting focus onto someone else won’t help me. Therefore, he doesn’t change my approach.”
No More Repercussions for Norris
The playing field between the two McLaren drivers is at least equal again for the last five Grand Prix, reveals Piastri. After the United States Grand Prix, McLaren has dropped the ‘repercussions’ for Norris for his overtaking maneuver during the Singapore Grand Prix. McLaren did not specify what these consequences for the Brit exactly entailed. “What happened in the sprint in Austin (the collision in the opening corner) was partly my fault,” Piastri partially admits. “Therefore, we both start with a clean slate. The repercussions for Lando have been removed.”
