Piastri dismisses preferential treatment claims as McLaren maintains equal competition ethos
Oscar Piastri Rejects Preferential Treatment Ahead of Austrian Grand Prix
Formula 1 championship leader Oscar Piastri has made it clear he will not seek preferential treatment at McLaren in his ongoing battle with teammate Lando Norris. Despite a collision between the two drivers in Canada, Piastri emphasized that their intra-team competition will remain fair and uncompromised heading into this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
Heading into the second half of the season, Piastri holds a 22-point lead over Norris, having secured five wins in the first 10 races. With 14 rounds remaining, including the race at the Red Bull Ring, McLaren's "Papaya Rules"—which ensure equal opportunities for both drivers—remain firmly intact.
"Free to Race, Fighting for the Championship"
Piastri, reflecting on his clash with Norris two weeks ago, downplayed any significant changes in their approach to racing. In Montreal, Norris ran into the back of Piastri while contending for fourth place in a late-race battle. While Norris accepted responsibility for the incident, Piastri confirmed there was no lingering tension between the pair.
"We're still free to race, still fighting for a championship each," said Piastri. "So, no, keep going racing and make sure that we don't come into contact again."
When asked whether his 22-point margin over Norris might prompt him to seek team orders or special treatment, Piastri firmly rejected the notion:
"Your version of healthy is much bigger than mine," the Australian quipped. "I just want, and we all want, a fair opportunity to try and win both championships—especially the drivers' championship, because ultimately it can only be one of us."
Piastri also noted that McLaren has no need to shift strategies at this stage of the season:
"I think the situation has to change dramatically to start having those conversations, and they're a very long way away at the moment. At the moment, all I can ask for is a fair chance to try and win the championship, and that's what I want as well. No, I'm not willing to enter those talks at all."
McLaren’s Season and Championship Battle
McLaren has been the dominant force this season, having claimed victory in 7 of the 10 races so far. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has two wins to his name, while Mercedes’ George Russell triumphed in Canada. However, last time out in Montreal marked the first time this season that neither McLaren driver appeared on the front row or podium.
Despite the team's remarkable success, they hold just a 175-point cushion over Mercedes in the constructors’ standings. Piastri, meanwhile, has a 43-point gap over Verstappen, who remains formidable in third place in the drivers' standings.
Looking Ahead: Austrian Grand Prix
With the aftermath of their Canadian GP collision in the rearview mirror, both McLaren drivers are optimistic about the Austrian Grand Prix. Piastri expressed confidence in the team's potential to bounce back, while Norris acknowledged the positives that had emerged from their recent issues.
"What happened in Canada has only made the team stronger," Norris told reporters. "It is part and parcel of sport and human to make mistakes, and we have become much better as a team as to how we learn from it and improve. And from that point, it was an unfortunate positive."
Norris added that the incident has spurred further improvement in internal processes:
"It is a good outcome. A lot has been learned, and a lot of things have turned into being stronger than they were before," he added. Feeling "good and excited" ahead of Austria, Norris believes the team is ready to keep pushing forward.
As the McLaren duo prepares for another intense battle on the track, their commitment to fair competition—and their shared desire to avoid future slip-ups—sets the stage for an electrifying weekend at the Red Bull Ring. All eyes are on Piastri and Norris to see how the dynamic unfolds as McLaren builds on its championship ambitions.
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