McLaren reveals reason behind Lando Norris handing Sprint win to Oscar Piastri at Qatar GP

McLaren CEO Zak Brown highlighted that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have often helped each other this season.

McLaren reveals reason behind Lando Norris handing Sprint win to Oscar Piastri at Qatar GP

Lando Norris with Oscar Piastri and Zak Brown(all images via IMAGO)

Lando Norris surprised the entire paddock at the end of the Qatar GP Sprint race. The Briton moved aside on the final corner of the final lap to hand victory to teammate Oscar Piastri. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has now hinted at the potential reason for this move.

After the session, Norris claimed that McLaren had told him not to make such a decision in the Sprint. Nevertheless, the Briton simply went ahead with his plan. Zak Brown highlighted that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri share a great relationship and are always willing to help one another on-track.

Moreover, Brown recalled that Piastri had helped Norris at the Brazilian GP this year. McLaren had instructed the Australian to give the Interlagos Sprint win to the 25-year-old. Subsequently, Zak Brown reckoned that now Lando Norris had returned the favor to his teammate.

Lando and Oscar have been great teammates, and I think it just showed how much they are helping each other. And, ultimately, racing for the team. I think Oscar helped Lando out a little bit in Brasil, and I think Lando said ‘Thank you!’

Zak Brown said post-race

McLaren expects close fight for Qatar GP win

Despite showing promising pace in the Sprint, Zak Brown remained conservative over the team’s prospects for Sunday. The McLaren boss insisted that the battle for the win would be quite close. Though, Brown reckoned that Lando Norris could extract more pace out of the MCL36 in Qualifying as the wind settles in Lusail.

Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)
Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)

I think we are going to have a close race tomorrow night. Hopefully, we will have a strong qualifying again, the wind is dying down a little bit. I think Lando had some more pace there.

Zak Brown stated

Certainly, Lando Norris and McLaren would be looking to win the race on Sunday. This would virtually secure the Constructors’ title for the Woking-based team. However, it remains to be seen if Ferrari can pose a threat to Norris in the Grand Prix.