Photo: Race Pictures

Oscar Piastri argues against Australians' 'biased' McLaren claim

08:01, 06 Feb

byKada Sarkozi

The narrative of 'McLaren preferring Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri' even reached the Australian Parliament. The driver confidently explained he was treated the same way.

"I got a fair shot last year and I'm expecting that to stay exactly the same. That's definitely not to say that certain things could have been done better last year."

- Oscar Piastri

"Yes, I think I got a fair shot last year and I'm expecting that to stay exactly the same. That's definitely not to say that certain things could have been done better last year," the McLaren driver told a select group of media, including GPblog.

In Australia, many were certain that the Woking-based team put Oscar Piastri on the back foot. After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Lando Norris was confirmed as champion, the country's channels were constantly taking jabs at McLaren. The topic was also brought up inside the Australian Parliament.

Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri continued: "I think that was probably clear for everyone watching, but I think for me, at no point were there any bad intentions or any times I questioned the intentions of things.

"Again, things could have been done better, situations could have been handled differently, but that is part of elite sport, and part of Formula 1. You're never going to get every decision right. You're never gonna make every single person happy.

"And that's part of the unique nature of Formula 1, given it's a team sport with an individual prize at the end as well.

"I think I got a fair shot last year and we're working on how we can improve things and make sure that we try and become stronger."

The driver also explained that 'Papaya rules' will change heading into the 2026 season.