Ex-Driver Warns Norris About Piastri Threat in Abu Dhabi
Former F1 driver Matteo Bobbi has issued a stark warning to Lando Norris ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, suggesting that his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri could pose a greater threat than Max Verstappen. Bobbi believes Piastri, fueled by a season of internal frustrations and perceived slights, is determined to prevent Norris from winning the championship, potentially creating explosive intra-team dynamics in the season finale.
Former Minardi test driver Matteo Bobbi warns Lando Norris that Oscar Piastri, not Max Verstappen, could be his biggest rival in the Abu Dhabi season finale. Bobbi believes Piastri's accumulated frustration and desire for redemption could lead him to challenge Norris for the title.
Why it matters:
McLaren's internal dynamics could add a dramatic layer to the Abu Dhabi championship showdown. With both drivers still mathematically in contention, albeit with long odds for Piastri, the potential for an intra-team rivalry to boil over could significantly impact Norris's title bid, especially with Max Verstappen also in the hunt. This situation could force McLaren to manage a delicate balance between individual driver ambitions and overall team objectives.
The Details:
- Piastri's Motivations: After a season where Piastri felt disadvantaged by team orders in Italy, a collision with Norris in Singapore, and a controversial strategy call in Qatar that cost him a potential win, former F1 driver Matteo Bobbi suggests Piastri has accumulated "a lot of dissatisfaction."
- Bobbi's Warning: Bobbi explicitly stated, "Norris's biggest rival in Abu Dhabi is Piastri. Oscar lost the world championship in Qatar and will do everything he can to prevent his teammate from winning it." He further added, "If he gets the chance to trip him up, he will."
- Championship Scenario: Piastri's championship chances are slim. He would need a victory and a disastrous result for Norris, who only needs a top-5 finish to stay ahead. Norris has only finished outside the top five three times in 2025.
- Team Equality: Despite the psychological tension, McLaren maintains that both drivers are currently being treated equally, as both are still mathematically eligible for the championship. However, this could change if the race dynamics shift.
- Qatar Impact: According to Martin Brundle, Piastri appeared "broken" after missing out on a win in Qatar, an event that dashed his championship hopes and left a visible mark of frustration.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to be a high-stakes event for McLaren. While the team aims to secure the best possible constructors' result, the underlying tension between Norris and Piastri, fueled by a season of perceived setbacks for the Australian, could manifest in unexpected ways on track. The team will need to manage this internal dynamic carefully to prevent it from derailing either driver's performance, especially given the fierce competition from Max Verstappen and other rivals.