Lando Norris Sends Strong Message on Oscar Piastri Relationship: ‘That’s What We Don’t Want’

Lando Norris has made it clear that his relationship with Oscar Piastri at McLaren must stay positive, as the team pushes for back-to-back constructors’ titles in Formula 1.

Norris is currently just 10 points behind Piastri in the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings, with Piastri leading at 186 points and Norris following closely with 176.

Both McLaren drivers have helped the team secure a strong lead in the constructors’ race, now 197 points ahead of Ferrari, making their teamwork vital for the season.

This year has seen Piastri emerge as one of the brightest stars, but neither McLaren driver has yet faced a head-to-head clash for a win in 2025. Team management has directed both drivers to prioritize McLaren’s championship ambitions, putting the constructors’ trophy above individual championships.

Norris recently spoke about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Piastri, explaining that being a great teammate is part of enjoying life in Formula 1 and keeping the atmosphere supportive in the garage.

Norris acknowledged that while drivers always want to beat their teammates—since they are in equal machinery—they should also make sure the relationship doesn’t go sour. He referenced past F1 pairings where intense rivalries damaged both the team’s performance and the drivers’ friendship.

The dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, which became tense during their championship fights, was a key example Norris hopes to avoid at McLaren. He emphasized that supporting the team comes first, and a fractured partnership can start a chain reaction of problems that impact everyone.

This tension was widely discussed in relation to Mercedes’ FIA rule change.

Despite the competitive spirit, Norris and Piastri both want to look back on their journey in F1 as a positive experience. They have been clear that while each will push for individual success, they understand their main objective is to race for McLaren.

Norris explained that racing your teammate comes with upsides and downsides. One benefit, he said, is that drivers can learn more from each other since they share everything within the team; however, this transparency can also make the competition harder.

So far, the balance between Norris and Piastri has worked to McLaren’s advantage. Their combined efforts have kept the team ahead in points, with McLaren leading at 362 and Ferrari the next closest at 165.

While emotions can run high in a title battle, Norris believes they can maintain respect and continue to deliver strong results for the team.

Recent discussions around Lewis Hamilton at Monaco reflect the importance of teamwork and respect in such high-pressure environments.

With key races approaching, including the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, both Norris and Piastri will be working to keep their partnership healthy and focus on the team’s ultimate goal.

The rest of the season promises more battles, but McLaren is hoping their united front holds strong on their path to another constructors’ championship.