In a dramatic finale that left fans on the edge of their seats, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix witnessed a moment of triumph and heartbreak as Lando Norris clinched his first-ever Formula 1 World Championship, narrowly edging out his teammate Oscar Piastri. While the spotlight shone brightly on Norris, it was the behind-the-scenes exchange between McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, and Piastri that added an emotional layer to the high-stakes showdown.
As the engines cooled down and the dust settled at Yas Marina, the untelevised team radio emerged, capturing Brown’s heartfelt praise for Piastri. After enduring a tumultuous season, Brown exclaimed, “Oscar, what a season! What a season! You’re a star! Seven wins. We love ya. We do it again next year.” This moment of camaraderie came just after Piastri learned that he had finished third in the race, a position that ultimately left him 11 points short of the championship title.
The final race of the season saw the seasoned champion Max Verstappen fall just two points behind Norris, with Piastri, who had held a commanding lead earlier in the season, grappling with a late decline that cost him the top spot. With the Australian driver having enjoyed a phenomenal 34-point advantage over Norris earlier in the season, the dramatic shift in fortunes has sparked discussions about McLaren’s team dynamics and strategies.
Critics have accused McLaren of favoring Norris throughout the season, particularly after a controversial call during the Italian Grand Prix where Piastri was asked to yield his position to Norris following a slow pit stop. This situation escalated into a political debate in Australia, with a parliamentarian questioning whether McLaren’s tactics were unjustly detrimental to Piastri’s championship aspirations.
Responding to the scrutiny, Piastri remarked on the unexpected political attention, stating, “It’s quite impressive to see my name mentioned in Parliament in my homeland, regardless of why.” Despite the pressures, both Brown and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella have vehemently denied any favoritism, asserting that their policy has always been one of equality and fairness between the two drivers.
As the season unfolded, Piastri’s momentum waned, culminating in his final victory at Zandvoort, with only a solitary podium finish in the subsequent races. This decline allowed Norris to seize the championship lead at the Mexican Grand Prix in October, a position he would not relinquish. The tension between the teammates reached a boiling point as both battled fiercely on the track, pushing each other to their limits throughout the season.
In the aftermath of the race, Piastri graciously acknowledged Norris’s victory, declaring him “a very deserving winner” while asserting that he does not view Norris as invincible. “He’s had a great season,” Piastri commented, emphasizing his belief that McLaren would continue its fair treatment of both drivers moving forward. “I’m expecting full fairness from the team and equality going forward. I don’t have any concern that that will change at all.”
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the stage is set for an even more intense rivalry in 2026. With both Norris and Piastri proving they are forces to be reckoned with, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling battles on the racetrack. Will McLaren continue to uphold its commitment to fairness, or will the shadows of favoritism loom large over the team as they head into the new season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between Norris and Piastri is far from over, and the world will be watching closely.









