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Oscar Piastri Opens Up: ‘No True Friends in F1, You’re Always Trying to Beat Them’

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 18, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
McLaren Relaxes ‘Papaya Rules’ as Piastri Sets Sights on Vegas Victory

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - November 20, 2024 McLaren's Oscar Piastri talks to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix REUTERS/Mike Blake

McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri has revealed the harsh reality of relationships in Formula 1, admitting that forming genuine friendships on the grid is nearly impossible. With intense rivalries, team orders, and personal ambitions at play, the Australian driver is focused on the relentless competition ahead of the 2025 season.


A Championship Year Marked by Team Tensions

The 2024 season was a landmark year for McLaren, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris powering the team to its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. However, the journey to the title wasn’t without its challenges.

The team’s impressive performance surge, spurred by significant upgrades to the MCL38 after Miami, brought the McLaren duo to the forefront of F1 battles. But the intense competition between Piastri and Norris often led to on-track clashes, most notably at Monza, where their duel allowed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to snatch victory.

While McLaren eventually enforced team orders to prioritize the Constructors’ Championship and support Norris in his title fight against Max Verstappen, Piastri admits the competitive nature of the sport creates unavoidable tensions.


Piastri on Rivalries and Norris: ‘You Want to Compare Yourself to the Best’

In a candid interview with The Gentleman’s Journal, Piastri reflected on the challenges of racing against a formidable teammate like Norris.

“He’s definitely a tough teammate to go up against, but I think that’s a good thing,” Piastri said. “You want to always compare yourself to the best.”

Acknowledging the tension that can arise when teammates fight for wins, Piastri pointed to past F1 rivalries like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, where competing for first and second pushed relationships to the breaking point.

“If we’re fighting for first and second every weekend, then there’s always a little bit more tension. It’s difficult to have true friends on the grid, because at the end of the day, you’re trying to beat them all the time.”


2025: The Next Challenge for Piastri

With the grid expected to become even more competitive in 2025, Piastri is focused on refining his performance. Reflecting on his progress since his rookie season, the Australian acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in qualifying.

“I feel like I’ve made some good steps forward this season, but there’s still room to grow,” he admitted. “The biggest one has been leaving too many positions on the table in qualifying. I don’t think I’ve ever really made life easy for myself in the races in that aspect.”

Piastri highlighted the need to fine-tune the smallest details to close gaps in performance:

“It’s about finding those last hundredths, those last tenths. I feel like in all the other areas, I’ve shown what I’m capable of. Now it’s about putting everything together.”


A Glimpse into F1’s Ruthless World

Piastri’s candid remarks shed light on the unrelenting competitiveness that defines Formula 1. With no room for sentimentality on the grid, even teammate relationships are subject to the pressure of championship battles.

As McLaren prepares to defend its Constructors’ title in 2025, the dynamic between Piastri and Norris will undoubtedly remain a focal point. Will their rivalry escalate, or can McLaren balance the tension to maintain its dominance?


What’s Next for Oscar Piastri?

With a strong sophomore season under his belt, Piastri is poised for a breakout year. By addressing his qualifying struggles and continuing to build on his strengths, the Australian aims to emerge not just as a top driver for McLaren, but as a genuine contender for the Drivers’ Championship.

“If I can get it all together, then I’ll be on my way,” Piastri concluded.

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