McLaren's Oscar Piastri has ignited a firestorm in the Formula 1 world after appearing to publicly accuse his team of favouring his British teammate, Lando Norris, in a since-deleted social media post. The move has thrown the team's internal dynamics into sharp relief and cast a shadow over their championship battle.
A Social Media Grenade
The Australian driver, who until now has maintained a public front of team unity, took to his Instagram story to share a pointed quote from former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The statement read: 'McLaren prefers the English driver Norris. He has more star quality and marketing appeal for them, has more camera presence and publicity. That's probably why he's better for McLaren.' Although Piastri removed the post swiftly, the digital footprint was already set, sending fans and pundits into a frenzy.
This explosive act comes amid a dramatic shift in the drivers' championship. Just over ten weeks ago, Piastri enjoyed a commanding 34-point lead in the standings. That advantage has not only evaporated but has reversed, with Piastri now trailing Norris by 24 points after a run of five consecutive grands prix without a podium finish.
A Pattern of Controversial Decisions
Piastri's frustration is seen by many as a reaction to a series of recent team decisions perceived to benefit Norris, seemingly at the Aussie's expense. These incidents appear to contradict McLaren's own 'papaya rules', a team ethos promising equal treatment for both drivers.
At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Piastri was controversially ordered to cede second place back to Norris after the Briton suffered a slow pit stop due to a faulty wheel gun.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, strategic calls were also under the microscope. Norris was put on a winning one-stop strategy, while Piastri was instructed to make two pit stops.
The tension reportedly boiled over on team radio during the Singapore Grand Prix after a collision between Norris and Max Verstappen launched the Red Bull into Piastri's car, compromising his race. The Australian finished fourth, and to add insult to injury, McLaren celebrated their constructors' championship win on the podium without waiting for Piastri, who was fulfilling media duties.
Fallout and Team Reaction
Bernie Ecclestone, whose quote Piastri shared, elaborated on the situation, suggesting the young driver is 'upset and tired of them' and that the discussions about favouritism are 'getting on his nerves.' Ecclestone further claimed that McLaren has 'more often slowed down the Australian using various methods.'
The drama unfolded against a backdrop of contrasting comments from McLaren boss Zak Brown. Just prior to the social media incident, Brown had praised Piastri's 'fighting spirit' amidst his struggles. Speaking from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Brown also addressed the growing narrative around Norris, who has faced booing from some sections of the crowd.
'The booing would have bothered him in the past but he recognises that was as much probably booing for me and how we're treating it,' Brown stated, adding that Norris is now 'in a great place' and that the drivers are 'chilled' and not 'faking it.'
With only three races remaining, including Las Vegas, to bridge the 24-point gap, the pressure within the McLaren garage is palpable. Piastri's deleted post has ensured that the spotlight on the team's internal politics will burn brighter than ever.
