Australian driver Oscar Piastri has stirred up controversy by dismissing any notion that he would play second fiddle to his teammate Lando Norris at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite being in a heated F1 drivers’ championship battle, Piastri remains focused on his own success rather than assisting Norris in securing a victory.
As the McLaren duo gears up for the prestigious race in Monte Carlo, Piastri finds himself ahead of Norris in the standings by 13 points. With Norris starting from pole position and Piastri in third on the grid, questions arose about whether Piastri would be willing to “sacrifice” his own chances for the benefit of his teammate.
In a moment of levity during a press conference, Piastri jokingly responded to the team orders question by asking, “How much are you going to pay me?” This light-hearted exchange brought some humor to the tense situation, but Piastri quickly shifted back to a more serious tone, emphasizing his desire to win the race himself.
The Monaco Grand Prix presents a unique challenge this year with two mandated pit stops, making pole position less of a decisive factor in the outcome. Both McLaren drivers will need to navigate the tricky street circuit carefully to maximize their points haul and stay in the championship hunt.
While the specter of team orders looms over McLaren, Piastri’s refusal to prioritize Norris’ success showcases his fierce competitive spirit. As the race unfolds in Monaco, all eyes will be on the McLaren drivers to see how they handle the intense pressure and strategic complexities of the iconic circuit.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable Monaco Grand Prix as Piastri, Norris, and the rest of the field battle for supremacy on the streets of Monte Carlo.