McLaren drivers at war? Lando Norris reveals the simple truth behind missing social content. Lando Norris addresses rumours of tension with Oscar Piastri.

McLaren drivers on bad terms? Norris sets the record straight

The battle between the two McLaren “papaya” drivers has sparked plenty of discussion, especially as fewer videos featuring Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been appearing on social media. This sudden drop has worried fans, many of whom are now convinced that the two teammates might be at odds with each other.

The fight for the championship is incredibly tight: the pair are separated by just 24 points, with the constant presence of Max Verstappen closing in on them at high speed.

The role of social media

During the most recent Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Lando Norris was asked whether his relationship with the Australian had changed due to the growing tension of the title battle. The British driver responded by saying: “No. I think the reason you’re seeing fewer videos is that we both asked to do fewer of them.”

He continued: “We’re Formula 1 drivers. We want to race, not make social media videos. So that was our request as drivers. But we still have to do a lot of things. We have a lot of respect for each other, and we both understand the position we’re in.”

“I’ve always got along well with my teammates, ever since my karting days,” the Briton added. “It makes life more enjoyable and fun, and it’s also one of the reasons why I’m here, because I love what I do.”

“We want the best for the team and we work hard. We try to maximise our performance above everything else. Then when we step out of the car, we joke around with each other, we laugh during the debriefs, and we enjoy everything away from the track.” – the McLaren driver pointed out ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

He also admitted: “So no, I think now it’s even better in many ways. We are very different people: he is very calm, grounded, very relaxed, he always seems chilled. It’s something I admire a lot about him. It’s always hard to read his mood; with me, I think it’s much easier.”

If the drivers themselves say the relationship has never been stronger, fans can probably take them at their word. The only thing frosty at McLaren right now is the championship fight itself.