His McLaren teammate may be the new F1 Drivers World Champion, but nothing changes in 2026 says Oscar Piastri.
The dust had barely settled on the presentation ceremony at the 2025 season-ending F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when Piastri started fielding questions about how he intends to approach next season.
Set to be raced with very different rules and cars, Piastri was asked specifically how he thinks team dynamics might change at McLaren now Lando Norris has become World Champion?
Calm and measured, the 24-year-old from Melbourne played a straight bat, mostly.
MORE: Norris wins F1 title after thrilling title battle ends in Abu Dhabi
“I don’t think anything will change,” Piastri replied.
“He (Norris) has obviously had a great season and is a deserving champion, but he’s still Lando Norris—it’s not like he’s become Superman.”
‘I’m expecting full fairness and equality’
Following a season where McLaren’s much-debated ‘papaya rules’ have shadowed the team’s every move, both good and bad, Piastri declared he expects more of the same as he returns for just his fourth Formula One season in 2026.
“I’m expecting full fairness from the team and equality going forwards,” he said bluntly.
“I don’t have any concerns that will change at all, clearly Lando has had a very strong season this year and ultimately did a better job (than me).”
Piastri remains under contract with McLaren until at least the end of the 2028 season.