Piastri Rejects McLaren's Call for Norris Support in F1 Title Fight

Oscar Piastri has firmly dismissed McLaren's suggestion that he support Lando Norris in the final two races of the 2025 F1 season, despite Norris leading the championship by 24 points. Piastri, currently tied on points with Max Verstappen, believes he still has a legitimate shot at the title and will prioritize his own race.

Why it matters:

• With 58 points still available in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Piastri's refusal to act as a wingman intensifies McLaren's internal championship battle, adding a layer of complexity to their strategy.
• A unified team effort could be crucial in fending off rivals like Max Verstappen, making Piastri's stance a significant factor in the championship's outcome.
• This decision could also set a precedent for future team orders, influencing how McLaren manages its drivers in competitive situations.

The Details:

• Piastri's Stance: When asked in Qatar if he would support Norris, Piastri's answer was an unequivocal "no," stating, "I'm still equal on points with Max and have a decent shot at still winning it if things go my way."
• Title Hopes: Despite acknowledging that his title hopes depend on more than just his performance, Piastri maintains the chance is "real enough to fight for," citing previous instances where such scenarios played out.
• Recent Form: Piastri has endured a slump, going six races without a podium since finishing third in Monza, yet he remains focused on maximizing his own opportunities.
• External Factors: Piastri recognizes the unpredictable role rivals, particularly Max Verstappen, could play, noting that "everyone is going out there to try and fight for wins and podiums. I'm not expecting anyone to make life easy."
• Las Vegas Impact: The double disqualification for McLaren in Las Vegas unexpectedly kept Piastri within striking distance of the championship lead, a chance he intends to fully capitalize on.

What's next:

Piastri enters the final two races with a clear "hunter" mentality, aiming to deliver his best performance at Lusail and Abu Dhabi, tracks where he has historically performed well.

• His determination to fight for his own championship aspirations means McLaren will have to manage a delicate balance between individual driver ambitions and overall team success.
• The upcoming races will not only decide the championship but also test the cohesion within the McLaren garage, especially if a critical team order situation arises.
• If Piastri can resolve his recent slump and capitalize on any opportunities, the championship could remain a thrilling three-way battle until the very last lap.