Oscar Piastri has been playing a supportive role for his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, as Norris remains in contention for the 2024 Formula 1 title. Piastri has made sacrifices for Norris in recent races, particularly in Brazil, where he stepped aside to allow Norris to claim the Sprint victory. Despite the selflessness of these actions, Norris admitted feeling conflicted about the situation, as it was in the context of his ongoing title fight. Piastri’s race engineer, Tom Stallard, highlighted the positive and team-oriented approach the young Australian has shown throughout the season.
Stallard explained that Piastri’s attitude toward team orders has been highly constructive, emphasizing the importance of supporting the team’s overall goals. He pointed out that Piastri’s willingness to help Norris, even when it meant giving up personal victories, demonstrates his commitment to the collective success of McLaren. This kind of teamwork, Stallard noted, is crucial for long-term success, particularly in a highly competitive environment like Formula 1, where individual glory often depends on the team’s cohesion.
The conversation also touched on historical examples in Formula 1, notably the 2007 season at McLaren, where intense rivalry between Fernando Alonso and rookie Lewis Hamilton undermined the team’s performance. Their ongoing internal battle ultimately allowed Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari to snatch the World Championship by a single point. Stallard implied that Piastri is learning from these past lessons and understands the importance of maintaining strong teamwork, especially when the title is within reach.
Looking ahead, Piastri’s support for Norris could pay dividends for him in future title battles. Stallard explained that drivers who contribute to the team’s success when their teammate is in the title hunt are more likely to receive similar support when their turn comes. Piastri’s positive approach, Stallard believes, will help him when he eventually enters a World Championship fight of his own. The McLaren team’s unified spirit, with both drivers backing each other, is seen as a key element of their success moving forward.
As for the 2024 season, Norris is still mathematically in contention for the title, although he trails Max Verstappen by 62 points after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Piastri is no longer in the title race, having fallen out of contention for this year’s crown. Despite this, both drivers continue to show strong teamwork, with Piastri’s commitment to supporting Norris exemplifying McLaren’s collective approach to racing. The team hopes that this unity will lead to greater success in the future, with both drivers poised for potential title fights in the seasons to come.
