Australian Media Criticizes McLaren for Alleged Favoritism Toward Norris Over Piastri

Australian media continues to push the narrative that Oscar Piastri was treated unequally by McLaren in his championship battle against teammate Lando Norris, with television segments openly suggesting the team worked against the Australian driver. The commentary follows Piastri finishing the season 13 points behind Norris in the drivers' standings, a result that has sparked widespread debate in Australia about perceived bias within the Woking-based squad.

Why it matters:

The allegation of team orders or preferential treatment strikes at the core of Formula 1's sporting integrity, especially in a tight intra-team title fight. For McLaren, a team historically built on equal treatment of its drivers, these persistent claims from a key driver's home market could damage its reputation and create internal tension. The story also highlights how national narratives can shape the perception of F1 rivalries beyond the track.

The details:

• During a season recap segment on 10 News+, a presenter introduced a story on Piastri's earnings by stating, "When Australia's Formula 1 weapon Oscar Piastri lost out in the Drivers' Championship... the entire country felt robbed. Throughout the season, his team McLaren had seemingly preferenced his teammate and eventual champ Lando Norris."
• This follows another instance where, after a Piastri interview, a different TV presenter remarked, "Let’s hope Oscar can do it next year… if McLaren don’t work against him."
• The topic has gained significant traction in Australia, even being discussed in the Australian Senate, indicating its reach beyond sports media into the national conversation.
• McLaren CEO Zak Brown addressed the question directly in an interview, emphasizing the team's approach: "You build the race car for both your drivers. It's all about incremental gain. We started off with a great car, so the developments are measured in milliseconds."

Between the lines:

The intensity of the Australian reaction underscores Piastri's status as a national sporting icon and the high expectations placed on him. The narrative often overlooks the nuanced reality of a season where strategic calls, luck, and pure performance all played a role in the 13-point final margin. While teams always face difficult decisions in close fights, the consistent framing from Australian media suggests a belief that Piastri's title challenge was hindered, not just by a teammate, but by his own team's structure.

What's next:

The pressure is now on McLaren to manage its driver dynamic heading into the next season. The team will need to demonstrate through actions and transparent communication that both drivers have equal opportunity, especially in critical moments. For Piastri, the off-season chatter adds another layer of motivation, while Norris will aim to reaffirm his champion status on merit alone, distancing his achievement from any external narrative of favoritism.