The title fight is increasingly shaping up as an internal McLaren duel. For Oscar Piastri, this has both advantages and disadvantages, and he sincerely hopes that the internal struggle will not escalate. “Of course, we both want to become world champion, but we don’t want just one chance at success.”
After the Grand Prix of China, McLaren scored another one-two in Miami, with George Russell as number three a full 37 seconds behind. Oscar Piastri achieved his fourth victory of the season and third in a row, making him the first McLaren driver to accomplish this since Mika Häkkinen in 1998. The Australian increased his lead over teammate Lando Norris in the championship to 16 points, making the title fight increasingly appear as an internal McLaren duel.
When asked if it is more difficult to compete with a teammate for the championship, Piastri told the media present in the sunny resort: “In some ways yes, in other ways no. We know exactly how we both drive. We know our strengths and perhaps also our weaknesses. That gives you a lot of information, but of course, it works both ways.”
The fact that they both have the same material at their disposal, according to him, eliminates one variable. “But that also brings other complications. With how difficult it is to follow these days, the starting position determines the ending position in nine out of ten cases. Then pit strategies and other factors come into play when you’re teammates. It has its pros and cons.”
Long-term Contracts
The relationship between Oscar Piastri and teammate Lando Norris has not shown any cracks so far, but McLaren CEO Zak Brown expects that it will spark sooner or later as the internal competition heats up. “The question is not if something happens, but when,” he told Channel 4.
However, Piastri hopes that it doesn’t get out of hand. He realizes how important a good understanding is, especially since both he and Norris have long-term contracts with McLaren. “We’ve always been very close to each other. It’s going to be a great battle. There will be weekends where Lando is stronger and weekends where I am. We are very aware that we want to maintain this success as long as we drive for McLaren, and that’s a very long time for both of us,” he said. “Of course, we both want to become world champions, but we don’t want just one shot at success. That’s important and it helps to keep that in mind. For ourselves and for the whole team.”
