In a surprising development ahead of this weekend’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has revealed that he is no longer bound by team orders to support teammate Lando Norris’ fading championship bid. The so-called “papaya rules” had previously required the Australian rookie to prioritize Norris’ points haul, but with the Briton now trailing Max Verstappen by a hefty margin, Piastri has been granted more freedom to race for himself.
The turning point came at the Brazilian Grand Prix earlier this month, where Piastri was instructed to hold station behind Norris in the sprint race, sacrificing his own result for the good of the team. While Norris salvaged sixth place and eight precious points, Verstappen’s dominant victory all but extinguished his title aspirations. Speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Piastri confirmed the change in approach.
Pretty much, yes. There’s still some very specific scenarios where I might be needed to help out, but for the very large majority of situations, it’s back to how it was.
Oscar Piastri on the lifting of McLaren’s team orders
The 21-year-old emphasized that while he accepted his supporting role thus far, his sights are firmly set on leading McLaren’s charge next season.
Obviously next year, I want to make sure that I’m not in a position, championship-wise, to be subject to that. But in reality, I probably needed to help out that one time in Brazil and that’s been it.
Constructors’ Battle Heats Up
Although the drivers’ title may be slipping out of reach, McLaren remains very much in the hunt for the constructors’ championship as Formula 1 descends upon Sin City. The Woking-based squad currently leads the standings with 593 points, holding a narrow advantage over Ferrari on 557 and Red Bull on 544.
With millions of dollars in prize money and prestige on the line, team principal Andrea Stella will be hoping that unleashing Piastri can help McLaren stay ahead of the pack. The highly-rated youngster has already claimed three podiums and consistently outpaced Norris in qualifying trim this year.
A Season of Sacrifices
Piastri’s comments shed light on the challenges faced by young drivers in top teams, often having to shelve their own ambitions in service of a championship-contending teammate. His grace under pressure has earned widespread praise in the paddock.
It’s been a lot of talk, but not much on-track action. To his credit, Oscar has not objected to operating in a support role for his teammate. His goal is to be the one who is getting all the help in 2025.
A source close to the McLaren team
Norris: “I Wasn’t Ready”
For his part, Lando Norris has acknowledged that he wasn’t quite prepared for the intensity of a title fight against the likes of Verstappen and Leclerc this year. Still only 23 years old, the Briton has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency at crucial moments.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve made too many mistakes this season. Fighting for a championship takes a different level of focus and discipline that I’m still learning. But I’m determined to come back stronger next year and give Max a proper challenge.
Lando Norris on his 2024 title hopes
Into the Bright Lights
As the F1 circus rolls into Las Vegas for the first time, all eyes will be on the dazzling street circuit taking in landmarks like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian. While the championship arithmetic may be against them, McLaren’s dynamic duo of Norris and Piastri have a golden opportunity to end the season on a high and lay down a marker for 2025.
Piastri in particular will relish the chance to mix it with the frontrunners on pure merit, his prodigious racecraft and blistering raw pace now unshackled by team orders. Can the Aussie sensation beat the odds and stand atop the podium under the Las Vegas lights? Don’t bet against it.
