Oscar Piastri refuses to comment on McLaren potentially backing Lando Norris for title fight after first lap move at Italian GP

Oscar Piastri gave a two-word response when asked about potentially supporting Lando Norris in the title fight.

Oscar Piastri refuses to comment on McLaren potentially backing Lando Norris for title fight after first lap move at Italian GP

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (images via IMAGO)

Lando Norris started the Italian GP from pole position but was overtaken by his teammate, Oscar Piastri, by the end of the first lap. This dropped Norris to third place, with Charles Leclerc moving into second behind the 23-year-old. In an interview, Norris and Piastri were asked whether McLaren should prioritize the Brit, given his close title fight with Max Verstappen. The Aussie declined to comment on the matter.

When asked if McLaren should support Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri, Norris said it’s not his decision. He mentioned that, as a driver, he wouldn’t want things to be decided that way, indicating fair competition. The Brit also noted that although there’s still time in the season, it’s decreasing. Hence, he emphasized that it’s not up to him to decide whether McLaren should back him or Piastri. Norris also insisted of not begging his teammate to let him pass.

It's not up to me. I think as any driver you don't want things to play that way. I wouldn't say we're running out of time but time is going away slowly. It's not for me to decide.
Lando Norris said.
YouTube video

When asked the same question, Oscar Piastri chose not to comment. It seems he believes that the decision on whether McLaren should prioritize individual drivers or focus on the team’s overall performance is up to the team itself. The Aussie felt that it was not his place to publicly discuss the team’s plans.

FS Video
No comments.
Oscar Piastri added.
RELATED
Toto Wolff labels Italian GP as Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s ‘worst race in many years’
Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen(via IMAGO)

Andrea Stella claims both titles are within McLaren’s reach

Andrea Stella stated that McLaren needs to recognize that winning not just the Constructors but also the Drivers’ Championship is within reach. He emphasized that to win both championships, the team and Lando Norris must be in the best position to compete.

Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)
We have to be now in condition to acknowledge that not only the constructor championship is possible. So if we can achieve both as a team, we need to put the team in condition and Lando in condition to pursue both championships
Andrea Stella stated.

Certainly, Andrea Stella stressed McLaren must support both the team’s success and Norris’s performance to achieve their championship goals effectively. Fans hope that mistakes in Monza were one-time errors. Missing crucial points won’t hinder McLaren’s success for the time being.

In case you missed it: