Piastri: Norris Won't 'Become Superman' After F1 Title Win Despite Intense McLaren Rivalry

Oscar Piastri has dismissed expectations that Lando Norris' maiden Formula 1 world championship will fundamentally alter their McLaren relationship, emphasizing his teammate remains "still Lando Norris - it's not like he's become Superman" despite their season-long title duel. Norris clinched the 2025 crown by two points over Max Verstappen at Abu Dhabi, with Piastri finishing third overall after a season where McLaren maintained unprecedented team equality between its drivers.

Why it matters:

This championship battle represents a paradigm shift in modern F1 team dynamics, proving constructors can successfully manage two genuine title contenders without appointing a designated number one driver. The absence of major intra-team conflict—unlike the Hamilton-Rosberg or Senna-Prost eras—demonstrates how professionalism and clear team protocols can coexist with high-stakes competition, potentially influencing how future championship-contending teams structure their driver pairings.

The details:

• McLaren's strict neutrality was evident in critical moments: At Monza, Piastri voluntarily returned second place to Norris after the champion's slow pit stop, while both drivers complied with team directives following the Singapore incident where Norris overtook Piastri off-track.
• Constructors' Priority: The team successfully defended its constructors' championship despite the drivers' title fight, proving dual-champion contention doesn't necessarily compromise team objectives when managed properly.
• Professional Approach: Piastri highlighted how constant pressure from an evenly matched teammate elevated both drivers' performances: "We've become better drivers from pushing each other to the limit... sometimes uncomfortable but ultimately good."
• Historical Contrast: The dynamic starkly differs from McLaren's 1980s Senna-Prost rivalry and Mercedes' 2014-2016 Hamilton-Rosberg conflict, where team politics and designated hierarchy fueled tensions.
• Transparent Communication: Both drivers confirmed ongoing season-long discussions about fairness protocols, with plans to refine their approach during the off-season while maintaining equal treatment.

What's next:

McLaren's model could set a new standard for teams with dual title contenders, though its scalability remains untested against more volatile personalities. With Norris now a reigning champion and Piastri entering his prime, the 2026 season will test whether this equilibrium survives increased external pressure.

• Team principal Andrea Stella faces the delicate task of maintaining neutrality while managing heightened expectations around Norris' championship status
• Technical developments may introduce new flashpoints, particularly if one driver consistently outperforms the other on merit
• Piastri's comments suggest continued collaboration: "I'm expecting full fairness from the team and equality going forward—I have no concerns that will change"
• The dynamic could influence contract negotiations, with both drivers likely seeking equal status in any future team agreements

This season's success proves championship-caliber teammates can coexist professionally when supported by clear team structures—a lesson other squads will study closely as F1's competitive landscape evolves.