Piastri: Relationship with Norris 'Better Than Ever' Amidst Title Fight

Oscar Piastri insists that his relationship with McLaren teammate and championship rival Lando Norris remains not only intact but "probably better than ever," even as the pair enter the decisive final stretch of a fiercely contested Formula 1 title fight.

Why it matters:

McLaren's decision to allow both drivers to race freely has set up one of F1's most compelling championship battles in years. With Norris leading Piastri by just 24 points and Max Verstappen only 25 points further back, the internal dynamic between the McLaren drivers is crucial. Maintaining a healthy relationship despite the high stakes could be key to McLaren's overall success in the Constructors' Championship and prevent internal friction from derailing their title ambitions.

The details:

• Intact Relationship: Despite being locked in a tight championship battle, Piastri stated on the Beyond The Grid podcast that his rapport with Norris has not deteriorated, but rather improved. He attributes this to their extended time as teammates (three years) and a mutual understanding that "what happens on track stays on track."
• On-Track Conduct: McLaren's primary directive to its drivers has been to race cleanly, a rule both Piastri and Norris have largely respected throughout the season. This has allowed them to engage in intense wheel-to-wheel battles and trade wins without significant controversy.
• United Approach Off-Track: Piastri emphasized that their collaborative working relationship within the team remains unchanged. Both drivers continue to work together to extract maximum performance from the car and the team, highlighting a professional and mature approach to their rivalry.
• Championship Standings: With three race weekends and one sprint race remaining in the 2025 season, Norris holds a 24-point lead over Piastri. Max Verstappen trails Piastri by another 25 points, making it a thrilling three-way championship fight.

The big picture:

McLaren's "may the best man win" philosophy has been a refreshing change from teams that typically impose team orders. This approach, while potentially risky for internal stability, has delivered exciting racing and allowed both drivers to showcase their full potential. The fact that Piastri and Norris have managed to maintain a strong working relationship under such intense pressure speaks volumes about their professionalism and maturity, and McLaren's team culture.

What's next:

With four scoring opportunities left in the season, Piastri remains firmly within striking distance of the championship lead despite a recent dip in podium finishes. The final races will test the limits of their on-track rivalry and off-track camaraderie. If McLaren can continue to foster this healthy internal competition, it bodes well not only for their immediate championship hopes but also for the team's long-term stability and success with a strong driver pairing.