Oscar Piastri Ready to Race for Himself as Norris’ Title Bid Fizzles

Oscar Piastri has declared he will no longer play second-fiddle to Lando Norris after McLaren’s championship hopes took a hit, signaling a shift in the team’s internal dynamics ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Earlier in the season, McLaren had adjusted its strategy to prioritize Norris’ pursuit of Max Verstappen for the drivers’ championship. Dubbed the ‘Papaya Rules,’ the changes effectively positioned Norris as the team’s lead driver, with Piastri stepping into a support role.

However, Verstappen’s dominant win from 17th on the grid in Brazil has all but confirmed his fourth Formula 1 championship, leaving McLaren to reassess its approach. Speaking ahead of the Las Vegas race, Piastri confirmed the shift.

“Pretty much, yes,” Piastri said when asked if the rules had reverted. “There are still some very specific scenarios where I might be needed to help out. But for the very large majority of situations, it is back to how it was. The drivers’ championship picture is very slim, and the constructors’ championship is certainly not over for us. That’s the biggest focus now.”

The 22-year-old Australian made it clear he was eager to compete on equal footing, emphasizing his determination to secure victories for himself.

“I’m going into the weekend trying to win,” he stated.

Reflecting on Team Orders
Piastri has previously expressed his willingness to prioritize the team’s objectives, even at personal cost, such as when he relinquished a potential Sprint race victory in Brazil to support Norris. Despite the compromise, he feels he proved his capabilities.

“To be honest, I was not that disappointed with giving that up,” he said. “Of course, I would have loved to win the Sprint, but it’s a very different scenario to a Grand Prix. I think I proved what I wanted to prove by qualifying on pole, and that was more satisfying for me.”

Looking ahead, Piastri is keen to avoid similar situations in the future.

“Obviously next year, I want to make sure I’m not in a position, championship-wise, to be subject to that. But, in reality, I probably needed to help out that one time in Brazil, and that’s been it. It’s been a lot of talk, but not much on-track action,” he added.

With the championship out of reach for Norris, McLaren’s internal rivalry is set to heat up, with Piastri ready to prove himself as a driver capable of standing on his own.