Piastri denies any favoritism from McLaren: "There's nothing suspicious."

Despite the difficulties and after losing the championship lead following the Mexican Grand Prix, Oscar piastri Don't give up: the title is still within reach. While rumors, clearly unfounded, circulate about possible manipulation or favoritism at McLarenThe Australian driver is clearly taking a stand alongside his team. We are always very open with each other regarding what we think, the Aussie told Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Brazilian GP. Whether we believe things were fair or not, whether the right decisions were made or not, we can express our opinions on that, and I feel very comfortable doing so. The team strongly encourages us to defend our individual viewpoints. »

Dominant this season, the MCL39 has given its two drivers an undeniable advantage, allowing them to build a significant gap with the rest of the grid, with the exception of Max Verstappen always lying in wait. McLaren therefore finds itself with both its drivers in contention for the one and only Drivers' title. It's a difficult dynamic to manage when you have both cars in the same team fighting for a championship that only one car can win, so there will naturally be difficulties, but I respect the team that allows us both to try and fight for the Drivers' Championship. Piastri emphasized. I want to try to win the championship knowing that I did it on my own merit. We are already strongly encouraged and urged to assert ourselves. I don't think anything needs to change. »

Oscar Piastri dismisses Jos Verstappen's accusations

For Jos Verstappen, the return to form of Lando Norris And Oscar Piastri's less-than-stellar results are not insignificant. Max Verstappen's father has implicitly accused McLaren of favoring its British driver. I find what's happening at McLaren quite strange. Piastri couldn't have suddenly forgotten how to drive. Verstappen Senior wondered aloud to the Dutch newspaper De TelegraafIf I were him, or his manager (Former driver Mark Webber. Editor's note) I would put my foot down internally because right now everyone is wondering if he can handle the pressure, and that's not good for his reputation. »

When asked about a potentially deliberate action by McLaren against Piastri, the former Formula 1 driver confirmed: Looks like it does. If I were Piastri, I would defend myself now "Jos Verstappen insisted. This comment, however, should be taken with a grain of salt, coming from the father of Max Verstappen, who is still aiming for a fifth consecutive title.

Faced with these criticisms, Oscar Piastri firmly defends his stable. There aren't really many mysteries surrounding what happened. number 81 stated. There are questions about why certain differences have appeared in terms of piloting, for example, but everything is explainable, so there's certainly nothing suspicious. »

ALSO READ > Oscar Piastri admits to feeling the pressure of the title race: "It's uncomfortable."

McLaren united in the face of adversity

Despite trailing his teammate Lando Norris by 24 points, Oscar Piastri remains in contention for the Drivers' Championship, where 83 points are still up for grabs before the season's conclusion. People can think what they want. I know I still have what it takes to win the championship. There have been obstacles along the way. Everyone has faced them at different times this year. I'm confident I've learned a lot of useful things these past few weekends in particular. I'm still capable of performing at the same level we've reached this year. And I can still win. " he announced before the Brazilian GP.

Although team orders may have disrupted the internal balance at McLaren on several occasions this year, the Papayas now seem united in their quest for the Drivers' Championship, which will probably go to one of them... but only one.

ALSO READ > Verstappen warns McLaren: "The two best drivers in a team will always get in each other's way."