Oscar Piastri declares Lando Norris a 'deserving champion' after 2024 title fight

Oscar Piastri has publicly praised his McLaren teammate Lando Norris as a "very deserving winner" of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, despite the intense intra-team battle that defined their season. Piastri acknowledged the constant pressure Norris applied and highlighted how their rivalry pushed both drivers to new heights throughout a tightly contested campaign.

Why it matters:

In a sport where teammate rivalries can fracture team dynamics, Piastri's gracious public endorsement reinforces the strong, competitive harmony McLaren successfully cultivated. His recognition of Norris's worthiness, even from the position of the defeated challenger, underscores a mutual respect that is often rare at the pinnacle of a championship fight and speaks volumes about the team's internal culture.

The details:

• Piastri and Norris were the primary title protagonists for much of the 2024 season as McLaren's car performance surged, creating a direct championship duel within the same garage.
• The battle remained exceptionally close, with Piastri noting this season was "tighter than ever" between them, creating a high-pressure environment every race weekend.
• Max Verstappen emerged as a late-season threat, setting up a three-way fight going into the final round, but Norris's podium finish secured him the title.
• Despite "ups and downs at different moments" and the natural tension of competing for the ultimate prize, Piastri conceded no bitterness, explicitly stating Norris had "a great season."

The big picture:

McLaren's management of its two star drivers through a season-long championship fight will be studied as a case study in successful team politics. By fostering an environment where fierce on-track competition could coexist with off-track respect, the team avoided the destructive infighting that has hampered other top teams in similar situations. Piastri's comments confirm this approach paid off, leaving the team united even in the immediate aftermath of one driver's ultimate triumph over the other.