Oscar Piastri has denied that the situation at McLaren could change with Lando Norris’ title win in Formula 1, quipping that his team-mate hasn’t “become Superman”.
Despite losing points to his two rivals, Norris sealed a maiden Drivers’ Championship with third place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, behind Max Verstappen and Piastri.
Verstappen concluded the season with three successive victories to take the runners-up spot, two points behind Norris, with Piastri ending up another 11 points back.
Piastri appeared poised to be the McLaren driver who was going to be crowned when his win at Zandvoort, coupled with a Norris retirement, gave him a 34-point lead.
However, a slump that saw the Australian go six races without a podium handed the initiative to his team-mate, who did enough to repel Verstappen’s late resurgence.
But while Norris now has a title to his name, Piastri harbours no concern that might threaten to leave him at a disadvantage at McLaren looking ahead to next season.
Asked if he suspects the dynamic at McLaren could change, Piastri told media including Motorsport Week: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think that will change anything.
“For me, he’s obviously had a great season this year and a deserving champion, but he’s still Lando Norris. It’s not like he’s become Superman.
“So, I don’t think things will change with that. I’m expecting full fairness from the team and equality going forward. I don’t have any concerns that that will change at all.
“Clearly, Lando’s had a very strong season this year, and ultimately did a better job.”
Piastri ‘proud’ despite coming up short in title battle
Having languished more than 80 points behind Norris last time around, Piastri expressed pride at his own individual season, despite missing out on the ultimate prize.
“I think, obviously, I would have wished for a slightly different ending, but I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself as a race car driver, myself as a person,” he assessed.
“I think if you had presented this season at the start of the year with the pole positions and the wins and the podiums, I definitely would have been pretty happy with that.
“And I think even in the tough moments, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I can be stronger in the future.
“So, I think, ultimately, there’s a little bit of disappointment, obviously, but I think I can be very proud of the season I’ve had and plenty of lessons to take to the future.”
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