In the lead-up to the GP in Baku, it became clear that McLaren driver Lando Norris is keen to actively support in the title fight against rival Max Verstappen. Oscar Piastri, if necessary, would also have to sacrifice his races to help Norris accumulate the necessary points. However, the young Australian emphasizes that his altruism has its limits. Moreover, he points out, it’s not a given that Norris will indeed become the champion.
“The team wants to win both championships,” Oscar Piastri told the German Auto, Motor und Sport. “If you have that opportunity, you should not let it pass by.” McLaren is currently leading in the constructors’ championship. Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, however, still needs to make up fifty-two points before he overtakes reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Team Orders: A Necessary Evil?
“If I think purely about myself, I obviously don’t want to have team orders against me,” Oscar Piastri referred to assisting his teammate. “Every driver will agree with me; your own pride dictates that you want to be the fastest. Nevertheless, I am willing to help Lando (Norris) if asked.”
A quick calculation shows that Piastri himself also still has a chance at the championship, although the young Australian does not count on a serious title fight.
Also Aiming for the Constructors’ Championship
“Norris has a good chance, but it’s not a given that he’s going to win the championship,” Piastri said. “If I choose to let him pass, it has to make sense. After all, we also want to win the constructors’ championship. If I sacrifice my race to help Lando (Norris), that goal is at risk. Therefore, we will look at it on a case-by-case basis.”
Piastri finally emphasized that the team orders at McLaren work both ways. “If I deserve to win, Norris should also be able to help me,” he explained. “The Grand Prix of Azerbaijan was a good example of this. If Norris hadn’t blocked Sergio Pérez before I made my pit stop, I might not have won. I owe part of that victory to him.”
