Australian TV takes another jab at McLaren over Piastri's title miss

Australian television has reignited the narrative that McLaren favors Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri, with a presenter quipping the team must not 'work against him' next year after the Australian driver finished third in the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. The comment came after Piastri congratulated Norris on his maiden title win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, capping a season where the intra-team rivalry became a topic of national discussion in Australia, even reaching the country's Senate.

Why it matters:

The persistent narrative of team favoritism, whether perceived or real, adds a complex layer to McLaren's internal dynamics and public perception. For Piastri, a rising star in his home country, this external pressure and commentary could influence his relationship with the team and his standing with fans as he aims to mount his own title challenge.

The details:

• The remark was made on Australia's 9News after a reporter concluded a segment with Piastri, who thanked fans for their support and vowed to "go again next year."
• The studio presenter added, "Let’s hope Oscar can do it next year… if McLaren don’t work against him," echoing a sentiment that has circulated in Australian media for some time.
• This theory previously became a formal topic of discussion in the Australian Senate, highlighting how Piastri's career is followed at the highest levels of public life in his home country.
• Despite the external noise, Piastri led the Drivers' Championship for a significant portion of the season, from Saudi Arabia until Mexico City, and secured seven race wins.
• He ultimately finished the season 13 points behind teammate and champion Lando Norris.

Between the lines:

Piastri's public response has been notably diplomatic and focused on his own performance. He expressed pride in his season, stating he learned "a hell of a lot" about himself as a driver and a person. He acknowledged wishing for a different ending but indicated he would have been happy with the season's results—including pole positions, wins, and podiums—if presented at the start of the year. This mature perspective suggests a driver managing both intense sporting pressure and considerable national expectation.

What's next:

The spotlight on the McLaren driver pairing will only intensify in 2026. Piastri has proven he has the speed to fight for a championship, and the team's ability to manage two top-tier contenders equally will be scrutinized more than ever. For the narrative to shift, Piastri will need a season where luck, strategy, and performance align to conclusively challenge for the title, potentially silencing the favoritism debate through results on track.