Oscar Piastri questions Verstappen tactics after Lando Norris secures F1 title
Oscar Piastri was caught on camera grilling Max Verstappen over his tactics immediately after Lando Norris won the F1 title for the first time in his career, reports BritPanorama.
Both Piastri and Verstappen finished ahead of Norris at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but the British driver secured the crown by finishing the season with the most points, after clinching third on the podium in the Middle East. It was a spectacular day for the McLaren driver, who was overcome with emotion after etching his name into the history books.
Piastri, who led during the early stages of the campaign, appeared dejected as his own dreams of title glory went up in smoke. After the race, the Australian was filmed talking with Verstappen as they watched the race back. He turned to his rival and expressed his dissatisfaction that the Dutchman hadn’t attempted to slow down the cars behind him. “Didn’t want to back everyone up?” Piastri asked.
Verstappen, seemingly unfazed, replied: “When I heard the top 16 were still in the pit window, I thought that wasn’t too bad.” Despite his frustrations, Piastri remains regarded as a future contender. McLaren chief Zak Brown stated, “He is a future world champion. Both of our guys won seven races, drove brilliantly, supported each other. It’s a cruel sport; things sometimes go your way, sometimes don’t. I’m excited to go racing with these two drivers next year.”
Norris spoke of his delight in achieving his dream and praised the team for their support. “It’s incredible. It’s pretty surreal. I’ve dreamed about this for a long, long time,” he said. He reflected on the challenges of the season, noting, “My best performances this year came when I needed them the most. When I was on the back foot is when I did my best and showed the most of me.”
As the dust settles on a dramatic season, the interplay between competition and camaraderie continues to shape the F1 narrative. Whether through success or setback, the sport’s inherent unpredictability leaves teams and drivers alike reflecting upon their journeys — a reminder of how triumph and heartbreak often dance on a knife’s edge in the relentless pursuit of greatness.
