Piastri Addresses Deleted Social Media Post Amid Norris 'Favoritism' Claims

Oscar Piastri has downplayed a social media controversy ahead of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, after a repost on one of his accounts suggested McLaren favors his teammate Lando Norris. The incident occurred after Piastri qualified fifth on the Vegas Strip, with Norris securing pole.

Why it matters:

Piastri's social media mishap, though quickly rectified, spotlights the intense scrutiny on intra-team dynamics in Formula 1. Allegations of favoritism, particularly in a top team like McLaren, can fuel narratives that impact driver morale and public perception, making swift and clear responses crucial for team harmony and focus.

The Details:

• Ahead of the Las Vegas weekend, Piastri's Instagram account briefly shared a graphic quoting former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who claimed McLaren prioritizes Norris.
• The post was deleted soon after, but fans quickly noticed and circulated screenshots, leading to speculation.
• Piastri's Response: When questioned after qualifying, Piastri stated, "I don't know, I woke up this morning and saw it, so I don't know. Maybe I accidentally did it, obviously it was not intentional, but yeah, I didn't know what had happened, so I don't know."
• Social Media Management: It's highly probable that Piastri's social media channels are managed by a third party, a common practice among F1 drivers, which would explain his lack of direct knowledge about the post.
• Challenging Qualifying: The incident occurred after a difficult qualifying session for Piastri in low-grip conditions. While Norris secured pole position, Piastri qualified fifth, with a yellow flag impeding his flying lap.
• Championship Implications: Piastri is currently 24 points behind the championship leader, making his qualifying result a setback in his title charge. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, noting, "It's Las Vegas after all, so a lot could happen."

The big picture:

Team dynamics and driver relationships are always a hot topic in F1, especially when one driver seems to be performing at a higher level or receiving more attention. While Piastri's response attempts to diffuse the situation, the underlying perception of favoritism can persist, creating an interesting subplot as McLaren continues its strong season. The team will be keen to ensure both drivers feel equally supported as they push for further success.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the Las Vegas Grand Prix race itself, where Piastri will aim to make up ground from his fifth-place starting position. The unpredictable nature of the street circuit, coupled with his determination, could see him involved in significant on-track action. How McLaren manages the internal narrative and supports both drivers will be key to their overall performance and team cohesion moving forward.