Oscar Piastri clarifies social media repost during Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend
Oscar Piastri has dismissed suggestions that he deliberately fuelled speculation about McLaren favouring Lando Norris in the Formula 1 title race, insisting a social media repost attributed to him was accidental, reports BritPanorama.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Piastri, who previously led Norris by 34 points earlier in the season, found his position scrutinized as he appeared to share comments implying McLaren preferred Norris for commercial reasons. Since winning at Zandvoort, Piastri has failed to secure another victory, falling behind both his teammate and Max Verstappen in the standings.
Norris now leads the championship heading into the final three rounds, raising questions about McLaren’s support for the British driver. Verstappen characterized Piastri’s recent performance dip as “bizarre,” which intensified speculation regarding team dynamics. The controversy deepened when Piastri’s account briefly circulated remarks from former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who indicated that McLaren might prioritise Norris due to his “star quality” and marketing appeal.
Ecclestone suggested that Norris’s commercial value, including media presence and fan engagement, positions him favourably within the team. Despite this speculation, no concrete evidence has emerged indicating that McLaren has favoured one driver over another, with the team consistently advocating for equal treatment.
When questioned about the repost following qualifying on the Las Vegas Strip, Piastri categorically denied any intent to create division. “I don’t know. I woke up this morning and saw it. So, I don’t know,” he stated. On whether the repost was intentional, he remarked, “Maybe I accidentally did it. Obviously, it was not intentional,” reiterating his lack of awareness regarding the post until after it had occurred.
As the championship race tightens, Piastri’s focus remains on the competition. While Norris achieved his third consecutive pole position in a qualifying session affected by weather, Piastri expressed frustration after qualifying in fifth place. A late yellow flag caused by a spin from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc disrupted his otherwise competitive lap.
Piastri remains optimistic about his potential, stating, “I think, yes. It’s difficult to know exactly where anyone sits because of the kind of lack of proper race running this weekend. But I think the car’s been pretty quick in all conditions.” As the drivers prepare for the next race, the unfolding dynamics within McLaren could play a decisive role in the championship’s outcome. It’s sport at its finest — where even petty misunderstandings can overshadow talent and teamwork, reminding fans how fragile a lead can be.
