Piastri: Fighting Norris for the title has ‘positives and negatives’

Oscar Piastri has acknowledged both the unique challenges and strategic advantages of battling his McLaren teammate Lando Norris for the Formula 1 World Championship, as the team’s recent dominance propels the pair into the heart of the 2025 title fight.

Following a commanding victory in Miami – his third consecutive win – Piastri extended his lead at the top of the standings to 16 points over Norris, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen another 16 behind.

As the competition intensifies, McLaren’s intra-team duel has become the focal point of the championship narrative, with the Australian and Briton pulling clear of the field.

Piastri, who joined McLaren in 2023, insists the internal rivalry is manageable – and even beneficial – thanks to their familiarity with each other’s driving and the team’s commitment to equal machinery.

“In some ways, yes. In some ways, no,” Piastri said when asked last weekend in Miami if it was harder to fight a teammate for the title.

“We know pretty much exactly how one another drives. We know our strong points, maybe some of our weaker points.

“So from that side you have more information, but it goes both ways. We both know we’ve got the same car, so that removes one factor.”

Equal Cars, Equal Pressure

While having the same equipment levels the playing field, Piastri highlighted how this equality also introduces complications, particularly when it comes to in-race dynamics.

“There are other complications with having the same car. You can have the same strengths and weaknesses on track,” the Aussie explained.

“With how difficult it is to follow cars, nine times out of 10, whoever’s in front at the start is probably going to be in front at the end. So it’s difficult like that.

“Then there’s the pit strategies and whatever that become a factor when you’re in the same team. There are positives and negatives.”

So far, the rivalry has remained civil, but McLaren CEO Zak Brown has admitted that with so much at stake, some tension is inevitable.

However, Piastri notes that both drivers’ long-term commitments to the team provide a strong incentive to keep things constructive.

“We clearly know that we have our strengths,” he reiterated. “It’s always been close between us. It’s going to be a good battle.

“There will be weekends where Lando is stronger, and weekends where I am stronger.

“We’re very aware of the fact that we want this success for as long as we’re at McLaren, which is a very long time for both of us.

“We’re aware there’s going to be a fight. We both want to become World Champion, obviously.

“But we don’t just want one opportunity at this success.

“We want it for the next however many years, and that’s an important and an easy thing to keep in mind for us and the whole team.”

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As the 2025 season progresses, Piastri and Norris will continue to navigate the tightrope of teammate rivalry, balancing fierce competition with the need to preserve their partnership.

But for the young six-time Grand Prix winner, the championship fight is not just about crossing the finish line first in 2025; it’s also about laying the foundation for a legacy at McLaren, one race, and one rivalry, at a time.

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