Piastri says Norris 'a strong teammate' to learn from

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Future McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is looking forward to working with Lando Norris next season, insisting the Woking-based outfit's charger will be a "strong teammate" to learn from.

Earlier this month, Piastri's controversial move from Alpine to McLaren for 2023 was given the green light by the FIA's Contract Recognition Board.

The 21-year-old highly rated Aussie will therefore make his big F1 debut next year with McLaren as Daniel Ricciardo's successor and with de facto team leader Norris by his side.

"Firstly, I don't know Lando that well," Piastri told the In The Fast Lane podcast.

"I've spoken to him a couple of times very briefly, and we've got a few mutual friends in common. But I'm looking forward to getting to know him, both personally and professionally."

Read also: Piastri wasn't sure Ricciardo 'wanted to hear' from him

Piastri rose through the ranks by winning in his first year every junior series in which he competed, a path to motorsport's elite not unlike the journey enjoyed by Norris.

"I think our junior careers have been quite similar," the 21-year-old said. "He's obviously proven as well in F1 that he's a very capable driver and a strong driver as well.

"I'm looking forward to being able to show what I have, but also there's undoubtedly going to be things to learn along the way, and I think Lando is a very strong teammate to be able to learn from."

Only time will tell how the two young guns work together and how Piastri adapts to his new environment. But the former FIA Formula 2 Champion is confident that Norris and himself will work together to push McLaren up the grid.

"I'm looking forward to [working with Norris], and I think it'll be a good working relationship," the F1 rookie continued.

"I'm confident we'll be able to work well together and hopefully bring the whole team more towards the front of the grid, because that's the aim."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.