Piastri unfazed by Norris' title: 'He hasn't become Superman'
McLaren's Oscar Piastri says Lando Norris's 2025 world championship win won't change their equal status within the team, insisting Norris 'hasn't become Superman.' Piastri, who finished a close second, expects full fairness from McLaren as both drivers prepare for another title fight in 2026.
Oscar Piastri insists Lando Norris’s 2025 Drivers' Championship victory won’t alter their equal footing at McLaren, dismissing any notion that his teammate’s new status makes him untouchable within the team. The Australian, who led the standings for much of the season before finishing runner-up, expects the same fair and competitive partnership to continue into 2026.
Why it matters:
A harmonious yet fiercely competitive driver pairing is a rare and powerful asset in Formula 1. Piastri’s confidence in the team’s continued equal treatment is crucial for maintaining the internal dynamic that propelled McLaren to the front. Any perceived shift in team hierarchy could destabilize the partnership and hinder their collective challenge against rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari.
The details:
- Piastri held a commanding championship lead for 15 rounds before a mid-season slump allowed Norris to close the gap and ultimately secure the title by a narrow two-point margin in Abu Dhabi.
- When asked if Norris’s champion status would change their dynamic, Piastri was unequivocal: “No, I don't think so... For me he's obviously had a great season this year and a deserving champion, but he's still Lando Norris - it's not like he's become Superman.”
- He expressed full confidence in McLaren’s management, stating he expects “full fairness from the team and kind of equality going forward” and has no concerns that the competitive balance will change.
- Piastri acknowledged Norris’s superior performance over the full season, conceding, “clearly Lando's had a very strong season this year and ultimately did a better job.”
The big picture:
The 2025 season demonstrated that McLaren has two genuine title-contending drivers. Their rivalry, while intense, has been largely respectful and productive. Piastri framed their competition as a net positive, stating that pushing each other to the limit has made both drivers better, even if it created “difficult moments and tension at times.” He credited the team for giving them both a fair chance to fight for the championship, which he sees as the ultimate requirement for a successful partnership.
What's next:
With stable regulations heading into 2026, the focus at McLaren will be on refining their package and managing what promises to be another intense intra-team battle. Piastri hinted at off-season discussions to review and improve their approach for the coming year. The team’s ability to maintain equality and harness the competitive energy between its two stars will be pivotal in their quest to defend the Constructors' Championship and launch another dual title assault.