Photo: Race Pictures

Australian TV keeps taking swipes at McLaren for alleged ‘Norris bias'

14:21, 13 Dec

Updated: 14:22, 13 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

The narrative that Oscar Piastri was not being treated equally by McLaren continues in Australian media, after another TV segment was introduced this way.

Piastri ended up missing out by 13 points on the drivers' title this season. In Australia, it is widely believed that Piastri was treated unequally in the battle for the drivers' title against Lando Norris.

Following a Piastri interview with Australian media ended after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, a TV presenter said: "Let’s hope Oscar can do it next year… if McLaren don’t work against him."

Now, on Australian TV channel 10 News+, in a segment on how much money Piastri earned this year, a different presenter began: "When Australia's Formula 1 weapon Oscar Piastri lost out in the Drivers' Championship in Abu Dhabi this week, the entire country felt robbed.

"Throughout the season, his team McLaren had seemingly preferenced his teammate and eventual champ Lando Norris, but this might soften the blow a little, at least for Piastri, with word today he will receive a $41 million bonus."

Norris and Piastri shaking hands back at the Qatar GP - Photo: Race Pictures

The debate on McLaren favouring Piastri previously made its way to the Australian Senate as well.

McLaren CEO Brown addresses preferential treatment question

In an interview on TalkSport, McLaren CEO Zak Brown was also presented with this question.

There, the American explained: "Now you build the race car for both your drivers. It's all about incremental gain. We started off with a great car, so the developments are measured in milliseconds."

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