Oscar Piastri Reposts Controversial Quote About McLaren's Alleged Preference for Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri briefly reposted a quote from former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone suggesting McLaren favors Lando Norris, sparking online speculation and fueling existing rumors of favoritism within the team. The move, whether intentional or accidental, comes amidst Piastri's recent dip in performance compared to his teammate.

Why it matters:

This incident, regardless of its origin, highlights the intense scrutiny on team dynamics in Formula 1. Allegations of favoritism, even if unfounded, can create tension and impact driver morale, potentially affecting on-track performance. For McLaren, a team battling for top constructor positions, maintaining a perception of fairness and equality between its drivers is crucial for team cohesion and public image.

The Details:

• The Quote: The reposted quote, originally from Bernie Ecclestone via gpfansglobal on November 4, 2025, stated, "McLaren prefers the English driver Norris. He has more star quality and marketing appeal for them, has more camera presence and publicity. That's probably why he's better for McLaren."
• Piastri's Actions: Piastri reposted the image in the early hours of Friday morning, November 21, in Las Vegas, before quickly deleting it. The circumstances surrounding the repost remain unclear, with questions arising about whether it was intentional or if his account was compromised.
• Context of Favoritism Claims: This event follows recent accusations of perceived bias towards Norris, particularly at events like Monza. While McLaren has consistently denied these claims, they have coincided with a notable downturn in Piastri's form.
• Performance Shift: Since winning the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri has been significantly outscored by Norris, ceding a 34-point advantage to a 24-point deficit in their battle for the Drivers' Championship.

Between the lines:

The timing of this repost is particularly sensitive, given the ongoing discussions about intra-team dynamics at McLaren and Piastri's recent struggles. While the team has vehemently denied any favoritism, the incident adds another layer to the narrative, raising questions about internal perceptions and external pressures on both drivers. Whether a genuine mistake or a momentary lapse, it underscores the intense media and fan attention on every move made by F1 drivers, both on and off the track.

What's next:

McLaren will likely look to downplay the incident and focus on the upcoming races, but the speculation may linger. Both Piastri and Norris will be under increased scrutiny to demonstrate their individual performances and professionalism, while the team will need to reinforce its commitment to treating both drivers equally as they continue their pursuit of championship success.