The British team is in the eye of the storm. On social media and beyond, McLaren is surrounded by criticism, with many claiming that the treatment of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is far from fair. Even the Australian Senate has expressed doubts and concerns. Some of these issues emerged during a session of the Senate’s Rural and Transport Affairs Legislation Committee, which included participation from Australia’s Minister for Transport, Anthony Chisholm.
Is McLaren sidelining Piastri? The Australian Senate discussion
During the session, held immediately after the controversial Qatar Grand Prix, Senator Matt Canavan questioned Minister Chisholm about McLaren’s treatment of the 24-year-old Oscar Piastri. “It was a bit of a frustrating night for some Australians. Do you think McLaren is biased against Oscar Piastri, and could this be costing him the drivers’ championship?”
The question, though not entirely related to the committee’s agenda, elicited laughter from those present in the room. Minister Chisholm responded with a humorous remark: “I think he has definitely had to make some ‘tough’ decisions this year. Someone here has a daughter who’s really into F1—she’s going to be very upset when she wakes up this morning!”
Having led the drivers’ standings for much of the season, Oscar Piastri enters the Abu Dhabi weekend clinging to the last of his championship hopes. After the Qatar round, the #81 driver sits third in the championship, 16 points behind his teammate Lando Norris and 4 points behind Max Verstappen.
What started as fan frustration online has now reached the floor of the Australian parliament, underlining just how deeply the McLaren driver dynamic has divided opinion – and how fiercely Australia is backing its rising star in the three-way fight for the crown.
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