Oscar Piastri Endures 'Barmy Army' Banter Tying Him to Lando Norris Rivalry

After a hard-fought 2025 F1 season where he narrowly lost the championship to his teammate, Oscar Piastri faced a unique form of post-season heckling. While watching cricket in his native Australia, the McLaren driver was taunted by English fans with chants of "you're just a sh*t Lando Norris," a playful jab referencing their intense title battle which he reportedly took with a grin.

Why it matters:

The incident highlights how the championship fight between Piastri and Norris has transcended Formula 1, becoming a point of reference in mainstream sports culture. For the British 'Barmy Army,' using Norris's name as the ultimate benchmark shows how their rivalry is perceived by fans, with the newly crowned champion now firmly established as the measuring stick.

The big picture:

The cricket banter is a direct reflection of the on-track dynamics that defined McLaren's 2025 season.

• Piastri led the Drivers' Championship for a significant portion of the year but a late-season slump, including a six-race podium drought, opened the door for Norris.
• Norris ultimately clinched his maiden title, with Piastri finishing the season in third, just 13 points behind his teammate.
• Despite the fierce competition, the respect between them is evident. Norris credited Piastri for pushing him to become a more resilient driver, stating at one point, "he was performing better than I was, and doing a better job consistently."

What's next:

With both drivers signed to remain at McLaren, their internal rivalry is set to be a defining narrative for the 2026 season and beyond.

• The dynamic will be crucial for McLaren's hopes of defending their constructors' title and mounting another championship challenge.
• For Piastri, the close defeat and the public perception of being second-best will undoubtedly serve as powerful motivation as he aims to evolve from a title contender into a World Champion.