Piastri regrets the media coverage of the team orders with Norris: "For me, it was obvious from the beginning that I was going to help him"

The year 2024 was that of the firsts for Oscar piastri. First victories in Formula 1, of course, with successes in Hungary and Azerbaijan, first world title with the Constructors' title for McLaren but also… first team instructions within the British team. With a view to helping Lando Norris in the quest for the Drivers' Championship against Max Verstappen, and while he himself was not completely eliminated from this title race, the Australian had to comply with McLaren's orders in the second half of the season. A decision taken after moments of uncertainty during the season on the part of the English team, which had not established a hierarchy between its two drivers and which cost the British driver points on certain rounds.

Looking back on his season, the Aussie was inevitably asked about the famous "Papaya Rules" that caused so much talk since the Italian Grand Prix. The Melbourne native regrets that these team orders have gained considerable media coverage, where some have even questioned his loyalty to McLaren and the rules imposed to help Lando Norris. The Australian thus defends himself from having wanted to be selfish and affirms that he has always wanted to help his team and his teammate in the fight for the two world titles.

"It was much more talked about externally than internally! Of course, we discussed a lot of scenarios, but we had to do it to determine the rules and the limits, Oscar Piastri confided with Speedcafe in the Summer Grill podcast. But the only time it really came to fruition on track was during the Sprint in Brazil. (Piastri had let Norris pass in the final laps for the victory, Editor's note.). I understand that people need ammunition, but it took on a much bigger scope than what was really within the team. There were a lot of questions about whether I was going to help [Lando Norris] or not. For me, it was obvious from the beginning that I was going to help him. After Brazil, it's certain that the championship was compromised for Lando, but it made a lot less noise when I let him pass." A few weeks after Brazil, Lando Norris returned the favor to Oscar Piastri by letting him win the Sprint in Qatar.

Piastri "learned a lot" in the fight for the two titles

Despite the media and sporting turmoil surrounding these team orders, Oscar Piastri assures that his relationship with Lando Norris has not been damaged despite some sources of tension during the year, notably in Hungary where the Briton was reluctant for a long time to give back first place – and therefore victory – to the Australian after the latter lost his position during his pit stop. The young 23-year-old driver affirms that Lando Norris understood McLaren's demands afterwards, the Briton having subsequently apologised for having tarnished Oscar Piastri's first victory in Formula 1.

A decidedly intense 2024 season for Oscar Piastri, ranked 4th in the Drivers' Championship. The McLaren driver recognizes that his second season in Formula 1 was very formative and that he learned a lot from his team but also from his teammate in the fight for the two world titles.

“Watching Lando [Norris] fight for the title, we learned a lot within the team, but I also learned a lot personally, underlines Oscar Piastri, who is nevertheless used to title fights in promotion formulas. Even with my own run this year, there have been times when it has gotten out of my hands. Obviously, at the start of the season, we lost a lot of points to Red Bull and Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship, and it's been tough to catch up for both of us. However, I've learned a lot, especially the pressure of fighting for the championship. It's a familiar feeling, but it's amplified when you're trying to get a title in Formula 1. Lots of lessons to take from within, but also from outside."

Qualifications, Piastri's weak point

If the young Australian considers himself a candidate for the title in 2025, he already knows where he needs to improve. “For the goals I set for myself at the start of the season, I think I’ve done a good job. There have been one or two races this season where it hasn’t been as good as I would have hoped, but I think the reason for that is qualifying, he admits, he who was beaten 20 to 4 in the exercise by Lando Norris and who is still chasing a first pole position in Formula 1. This season was a bit of a reversal compared to last year where I was in the running in qualifying. This year I was close at many points but never on the right side. The gap between Lando and me was always very close but I was always just behind. There were a few Grands Prix where I was even further back and it cost me places on the grid, which naturally makes the race more difficult. I think if I get my sights set and qualify in the right place I will make a big improvement.

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