Formula 1 has a storied history of competition that often turns teammates into fierce adversaries, yet Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have managed to maintain a cordial relationship at McLaren. As Norris prepares for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, he hopes that British fans will extend their support to his Australian teammate, Piastri.
“The British fans usually embrace all of us, especially those of us from McLaren,” Norris stated following his recent victory at the Austrian Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of the fans supporting everyone, addressing concerns that Piastri might receive a cold reception.
Memories of infamous teammate rivalries linger in the world of Formula 1, such as the high-profile 2014 clash between Mercedes teammates and childhood friends-turned-rivals, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who dramatically collided in Austria, marking another chapter in their tumultuous relationship.
Despite some potentially fraught moments, Norris and Piastri have so far navigated their partnership without festering conflict. In Canada, Norris accidentally made contact with Piastri’s car, damaging it and forcing him into the wall, for which he apologized. More recently, during the race in Austria, Piastri’s ambitious maneuver almost resulted in an accident with Norris, prompting an apology from him.
Norris described their dynamic as mutually competitive yet respectful, highlighting a shared desire to push each other hard but fairly. Recalling the incident in Canada, he expressed relief that they could continue racing intensely without causing undue stress for their team principal, Andrea Stella, or the rest of the McLaren team.
Approaching the Silverstone race, Piastri reflects on past interactions with the enthusiastic British crowd. While he has fond memories of fans chanting his name, he recognizes that this year, the support might lean more heavily towards Norris, given it is his home race. Still, Piastri remains optimistic about the event, acknowledging the fairness of Norris’s home advantage.