F1
Norris on the possibility of Piastri helping him against Verstappen: "It's up to Oscar to decide."
© Florent Gooden / DPPI
The story of the season of McLaren undoubtedly lies in this single dilemma. Lando Norris et Oscar piastriTeammates, opponents, rivals on the track, but maintaining a neutral, if not slightly friendly, relationship when the papaya cap replaces the helmet. From the management's perspective, the decision remains clear: no choice will be made between the two drivers, not until the very end, even if it means costing one of the Woking protagonists the title.
Asked from Abu Dhabi about the possibility of his teammate helping him in his fight against Max VerstappenLando Norris has not closed the door on the idea, but prefers to prepare for his final without relying on this boost.
« We haven't talked about it. And honestly, I'd love to, but I don't think I'd ask. the Briton temperedIt's up to Oscar to decide. I don't think the decision is mine. It would be the same the other way around. Would I accept or not? Personally, I think I would, because that's how I am, it's my nature. But well, it's not really up to me to decide. I'm not going to ask. I don't want to ask because I don't think it's a relevant question. And at the same time, if it ends like this and Max wins, well, so much the better. Congratulations to him and here's to next year. It doesn't change anything. It won't change anything in my life. So, he'll deserve it more than we do.
What attitude should Piastri adopt?
Displaying an almost forced disinterest in the press, Lando Norris's stance, seemingly out of step with the intensity of the moment, was somewhat surprising. This astonishing admission certainly doesn't bode well for a renewed team spirit as the final Grand Prix of the season approaches. « We didn't talk about it. Oscar Piastri asserted. Ultimately, until I know what's expected of me… I don't really have an answer.
ALSO READ > Lando Norris has "the most to lose" in the F1 finale in Abu Dhabi
Presumably more critical of the famous Papaya Rules, which are somewhat nebulous for many enthusiasts of F1The Australian doesn't seem to have a better grasp of the expected behavior. If not to boldly seize his opportunity, the strategy of the driver sporting number 81 will be to try and close this 16-point gap at all costs. However, the question of breaking this absolute balance will arise at the end of the race if the cause becomes lost for Oscar Piastri. Will McLaren dare to cross the finish line?
Mathieu Chambenoit
Responsible for the single-seater categories (F2, F3, FRECA, Eurocup-3, F4...), I enjoy discussing F1, Endurance, or MotoGP.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
05/12/2025 at 01:47 a.m.
Piastri has already helped him, since the Australian didn't participate in FP1! Furthermore, will Norris share his data with the neighboring garage, as the famous Papaya Rules surely stipulate?
Little Pimousse
05/12/2025 at 11:43 a.m.
@Vincent Moyet: I'm not a big fan of Verstappen either; he's been allowed to do some questionable things in the past, especially last year. However, I disagree that Verstappen doesn't deserve the title: making up more than 100 points in just a few races, without (for once) having any truly questionable behavior on the track, would be a real feat. I don't like the Dutchman, but you have to acknowledge that he's a very, very good driver.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
05/12/2025 at 01:46 a.m.
Totally agree !
vincent moyet
05/12/2025 at 11:30 a.m.
That's what I think is worst for F1's image: if Verstappen wins, he'll be made into a demigod and once again his unsportsmanlike conduct will be rewarded. Why would he stop?
Carrera46
05/12/2025 at 11:26 a.m.
If a driver becomes World Champion thanks to his teammate's behavior, then perhaps he doesn't deserve it! Norris needs to dig deep and earn this title on his own. He's capable of it; it's up to him to prove it.
Lucas Paul
05/12/2025 at 09:29 a.m.
This whole circus is due to the McLaren team's terrible organization! I'm not a fan of Max, especially his less-than-gentlemanly behavior, but if he wins it won't be his fault... It's enough to make you cry, but almost as stupid as at Ferrari :):):)
DANIEL MEYERS
05/12/2025 at 07:59 a.m.
So NO, not at all, it's up to McLaren to decide. Does this team really want one of its drivers to be champion? That's THE question! Reading all these statements, it's clear that there's no real desire, neither from the drivers nor the team. Max's team must be having a good laugh!
vincent moyet
05/12/2025 at 12:20 a.m.
I understand McLaren's logic less and less. If Verstappen is in the lead or ahead of Piastri, the title is lost for him anyway. Why then try to make Norris lose it too? And above all, letting them fight when a single braking maneuver could decide the title is the best way to get a kamikaze attack, the elimination of both cars, and a title handed to Verstappen on a silver platter that he won't even have earned with such a scenario. A complete waste of resources.
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
04/12/2025 at 07:10 a.m.
Why would Oscar help Lando? I wouldn't! Not after everything the McLaren team has done against him! 😎👀🤨👀🤨