Support for Lando Norris, but not with a “blank check”
The 2024 F1 championship not only added Lando Norris to the statistics as a new Formula 1 winner but also opened the doors of this exclusive club to Oscar Piastri. If in Hungary, Oscar Piastri’s entry into this elite group was facilitated by McLaren’s complicated team tactics, in Azerbaijan at Baku, the 2001-born driver “broke through” the gate with an exciting performance, highlighted by a brilliant overtaking maneuver on Charles Leclerc, a decisive move that determined the race’s outcome.
The Australian and McLaren redeemed themselves after the disappointment at Monza, where Ferrari’s strategic gamble rewarded Charles Leclerc’s long stint on hard tires. The Monegasque made only one stop compared to Oscar Piastri’s two, allowing Ferrari to celebrate victory in front of their home crowd. “In hindsight, we shouldn’t have made the second stop because, even looking at the footage, we had the tires in the best condition and with the least graining. However, we were afraid that towards the end of the race, there could be a steep drop-off, causing tire damage, so we stopped again to avoid this scenario. Charles Leclerc and Ferrari had nothing to lose; they could afford to take risks and, in case of an emergency second stop, still finish third,” Oscar Piastri explained in an interview with the German outlet *Auto Motor und Sport*.
Regarding the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Oscar Piastri reiterated that he is ready to support Lando Norris but not under illogical decisions: “I will support Norris, but not through a blank check. We need to win the Constructors’ title as well, and hurting my race to benefit Lando’s isn’t the right way to do it, and I’m sure the team will make the right decisions. Norris was crucial in Baku for setting up my victory by ‘holding up’ Sergio Perez.” – the Australian pointed out.
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