The year 2024 was one of firsts for Oscar Piastri. First victories in Formula 1, of course, with successes in Hungary and Azerbaijan, first world coronation with the Manufacturers' title for McLaren but also… first team instructions within the British team. In order to help Lando Norris in the quest for the Drivers' championship against Max Verstappen, and while he himself was not completely eliminated from this title race, the Australian had to comply with McLaren's orders in second part of the season. A decision made after moments of uncertainty during the season on the part of the English team, which had not established a hierarchy between its two drivers and which cost the British driver points in certain rounds.
When taking stock of his season, the Aussie was inevitably questioned about these famous “Papaya Rules” which caused so much talk starting with the Italian Grand Prix. The Melbourne native regrets that these team instructions have gained considerable media attention, where some have even questioned his loyalty to McLaren and the rules imposed to help Lando Norris. The Australian thus denies having wanted to be selfish and affirms that he always wanted to help his team and his teammate in the fight for the two world titles.
“It caused a lot more talk externally than internally! Of course, we discussed lots of scenarios, but we had to do it to determine the rules and boundaries, said Oscar Piastri to Speedcafe in the Summer Grill podcast. But the only time it really came to fruition on track was during the Sprint in Brazil (Piastri had let Norris pass in the last laps for the victory, Editor's note.). I understand that people need grit, but it took on a much bigger magnitude than what was really within the team. There were a lot of questions about whether I would help [Lando Norris] or not. For me, it was obvious from the start that I was going to help him. After Brazil, it was certain that the championship was in jeopardy for Lando, but it made a lot less noise when I let him pass. » A few weeks after Brazil, Lando Norris returned the favor to Oscar Piastri by letting him win the Sprint in Qatar.
Piastri “learned a lot” in the fight for the two titles
Despite the media and sporting uproar over these team instructions, Oscar Piastri assures that his relationship with Lando Norris has not deteriorated despite some sources of tension during the year, notably in Hungary where the Briton has long been reluctant to returning first place – and therefore victory – to the Australian after he lost his position during his pit stop. The 23-year-old driver claims that Lando Norris understood McLaren's demands after the fact, with the Briton later apologizing for marring Oscar Piastri's first victory in Formula 1.
A decidedly intense 2024 season for Oscar Piastri, ranked 4th in the Drivers' championship. The McLaren driver recognizes that his second season in Formula 1 was very educational and that he learned a lot from his team but also from his teammate in the fight for the two world titles.
“Watching Lando's title fight [Norris]we learned a lot within the team, but I also learned a lot personally, underlines Oscar Piastri, although accustomed to fights for the title in promotion formulas. Even with my own journey this year, there have been times where it has slipped out of my hands. Obviously, at the start of the season, we lost a lot of points to Red Bull and Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship, and it was difficult to make up for it for both of us. However, I learned a lot, including the pressure of a championship fight. It's a familiar feeling, but it's amplified when you're trying to get a title in Formula 1. Lots of lessons to take internally, but also from the outside. »
Qualifying, Piastri’s weak point
If the young Australian considers himself to be a candidate for the title in 2025, he already knows in which areas he must improve. “Compared to the objectives I gave myself at the start of the season, I think I did a good job. There have been one or two races this season where it hasn't been as good as I would have hoped, but I think the reason for that is qualifying, he admits, he who was beaten 20 to 4 in the exercise by Lando Norris and who is still running behind a first pole position in Formula 1. This season was a bit of the opposite compared to last year when I was in the mix in qualifying. This year I was close at several points, but never on the right side. The gap between Lando and I has always been very close but I have always been right behind. There are a few Grands Prix where I was even further back and it cost me places on the grid, which naturally makes the race more difficult. I think that by adjusting the focus and qualifying in the right place, I would make big progress. »
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