Oscar Piastri says Lando Norris’ title win won’t change McLaren dynamics - ‘He’s not become Superman’
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has made it clear that the relationship with his team-mate Lando Norris will stay the same, despite Norris winning the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.
Piastri insists that Norris hasn’t suddenly become unbeatable or “Superman” after securing the sport’s biggest prize.
In Piastri’s words
Piastri’s comments come after a closely fought title battle last season.
The Australian led the standings during the early and middle stages of the year, but Norris regained the lead with a strong run of results and ultimately clinched the crown at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. He finished the year ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by a narrow margin, while Piastri ended the campaign third in the standings.
Despite the outcome, Piastri believes there will be no shift in how the two drivers are treated within the team.
When asked whether Norris’ new status as World Champion would change things at McLaren, Piastri was confident that equality and fairness will continue to be central to the team’s approach.
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think that will change anything. For me, he’s obviously had a great season this year and a deserving champion, but he’s still Lando Norris. It’s not like he’s become Superman,” Piastri said.
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The success of Papaya rules?
Piastri added that he expects McLaren to maintain a fair and balanced environment for both drivers going forward.
He explained that the team’s strategy of giving Norris and himself equal opportunities to compete has been successful, enabling McLaren not only to fight for the Drivers’ Championship but also to secure strong results in the Constructors’ Championship.
While ‘Papaya rules’ has occasionally drawn criticism, Piastri believes it has helped both drivers push each other and improve their performances throughout the season.
“I think it is a testament to the way we go racing,” Piastri said. “Obviously, it’s not easy fighting for both the Constructors’ Championship and the Drivers’ Championship with two very evenly matched drivers. But ultimately, that’s a problem we knew we were going to have.”
Piastri also noted that the healthy competition between him and Norris has, at times, caused tension, but that this often leads to growth and improvement.
He expects the discussions and work between them and the team to continue through the off-season as they prepare for 2026.
Looking ahead, Piastri’s stance shows confidence in McLaren’s culture and unity.
Both he and Norris are expected to play key roles as the team targets future success, and the Australian’s comments suggest there will be no shortage of competitive spirit in the years to come.
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