Oscar Piastri is gearing up to make his mark on McLaren in the final races of the 2024 F1 season, setting the stage for a statement performance that could change the balance of power within the team heading into 2025. Ex-Formula 1 strategist Bernie Collins has suggested that Piastri could leverage the remaining rounds to assert himself as more than just a support driver to teammate Lando Norris.
Piastri’s aggressive move on Norris at Monza earlier this season highlighted his competitive fire but also led McLaren to implement team orders favoring Norris. While this sparked friction within the team, the Aussie rookie has since complied with team strategies, including relinquishing leads during the recent Brazil Sprint and main race to benefit Norris.
With Max Verstappen’s championship all but sealed, Collins believes Piastri can now use the last three races to reposition himself as a contender rather than a second driver. “Piastri now has a chance to say, ‘I don’t want to be number two driver at race one next year,’” Collins noted on the Sky F1 podcast, emphasizing that Piastri can take the opportunity to stand his ground.
McLaren’s Race Engineer Tom Stallard, meanwhile, has praised Piastri for his team-first mentality, stressing that the rookie’s willingness to follow team orders speaks to his commitment to the long game. Stallard shared his insights on Piastri’s approach, stating, “Oscar has been very, very positive in his support for the team and willingness to support the team in what needs to happen. He’s looking at the long game, and genuinely he wants his team to win.”
Piastri’s mindset reflects a mature approach for a young driver, especially in a team environment where cooperation is crucial for success. However, if he finishes the season strong, he may gain more leverage to push back on team orders next year, especially as he shows himself capable of competing with Norris on equal terms.
The upcoming races are not only about securing results but also about cementing his place within McLaren’s future. For Piastri, these final rounds represent a defining moment to show that he’s ready to be a force in F1, capable of competing at the highest level – without playing second fiddle.
