Oscar Piastri has explained why he expects McLaren to continue treating its drivers with “complete fairness and equality” next season, saying Lando Norris “hasn’t become Superman”.
Norris became world champion for the first time on Sunday after winning a three-way title decider against McLaren teammate Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Some commentators have theorized that Norris’ status as world champion could lead to preferential treatment for the Brit from 2026 onwards, but Piastri vehemently denied that idea.
“I don’t think it changes anything,” Piastri said after finishing second in Sunday’s final race in Abu Dhabi and third in the drivers’ standings.
“For me, he obviously had a great season this year and deserved to be a champion, but he’s still Lando Norris. It’s not like he’s Superman.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Disappointed Oscar Piastri celebrates teammate Norris’ Drivers’ Championship title
“I don’t think that will change the situation. I expect the team to be completely fair and continue to be.
“There’s no concern at all that that’s going to change. Obviously, Lando had a very strong season this year and did a better job in the end.”
Will the “Papaya Rule” change in 2026?
McLaren’s attempt to treat drivers equally was a near-constant topic of discussion throughout the 2025 season, given that it’s an approach that has rarely been successful in the history of the sport.
When two drivers from the same team compete for the title, it usually ends in a falling out, or at least a very strained relationship.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Piastri overtakes Norris on the first lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, allowing Max Verstappen to hold onto the lead
Piastri and Norris have maintained an impressively strong relationship throughout the campaign, which was highlighted in the moments after the title was decided on Sunday when the Australian warmly congratulated his team-mate and his British family.
Asked if maintaining the relationship was a testament to the team’s approach and culture, Piastri said: “I think it’s a testament to the way we approach racing. Obviously, it’s not easy to have two very evenly matched drivers competing for both the constructors’ championship and the drivers’ championship, but in the end it was a problem we knew we were going to face.”
“At the end of the day, I think there’s a lot of good that came out of it. There are definitely some difficult moments and tensions, but I think both Lando and I have become better drivers by pushing each other to the limit. Sometimes it was uncomfortable for everyone, but in the end, yeah, it was a good thing.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
A look back at Piastri’s career story
“We’ve had a lot of discussions all year, and we’ll probably have conversations in the offseason about things we want to do a little differently for next year. But at the end of the day, I think they’ve given us as good a chance as a team can to compete fairly for a world championship, and that’s all you can ask for.”
“Lessons learned inside and outside the car”
Piastri led the standings for much of the season, opening up a 34-point lead with nine of the remaining 24 races to establish himself as the clear title contender, but a poor race from the Australian meant Norris took control of the battle and ultimately won.
After an incredibly consistent run of 14 podium finishes in 15 races, Piastri went on a six-race streak without a podium, but that barren streak included several tracks that didn’t seem to suit the 24-year-old’s driving style.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
A look back at the crucial moments that cost Piastri his 2025 title fight
Asked whether the lessons of the defeat were specific to the circuit where he struggled noticeably, or if they were more general, Piastri replied: “I think ultimately it’s both. There were definitely lessons that directly related to how I drive my car, how to be better in different situations, and how to be a better all-around driver.”
“I learned to deal with adversity and deal with difficult moments outside of the car as well. I learned a lot about myself through things like that.”
“There were lessons learned both in and out of the car that will definitely help me in the future.”
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, including the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
