Oscar Piastri increased his Formula 1 championship lead to 16 points after taking the win at the Belgian Grand Prix. Piastri got past McLaren teammate Lando Norris off the line, a move that ended up deciding the race.
The Australian switched to medium tyres as the track dried, while Norris opted for hards. Despite having more durable rubber, Norris couldn’t close the gap completely and crossed the line 3.4 seconds behind.
Norris had started on pole, but as Piastri learned during Saturday’s Sprint—when Max Verstappen beat him off the line—starting first doesn’t carry quite the same weight at Spa. This time it was a rolling start after a safety car period, but the outcome didn’t change.
With each passing race, it’s becoming clearer that McLaren are in a league of their own this season. While other teams might still influence individual races, Karun Chandhok believes we’re set for a title fight between Norris and Piastri right up to Abu Dhabi.
Oscar Piastri’s impact on Lando Norris: tougher than Carlos Sainz?
Speaking to Naomi Schiff on Sky Sports, Norris was asked if Piastri is the toughest teammate he’s had at McLaren. Norris has been with the team since 2019, starting out alongside Carlos Sainz.
After Sainz moved to Ferrari, Daniel Ricciardo came in but never quite clicked with the car. He was let go before his contract ended, which made way for Piastri. Now, with both drivers locked in long-term deals, Zak Brown believes he has the strongest pairing on the grid.
Norris believes that Piastri offers more as a complete driver compared to his previous teammates. The Australian has shown clear progress in each of his first three seasons.
“For sure [he’s my best teammate],” said Norris. “I’m the one that looks at his data the most, that compares things the most.
“His raw speed, his talent, his ability to do things, to level up, to take steps forward when he needs to is better than what I’ve seen from my other teammates. It makes my life tougher, but in a good way because it makes me better.”
Piastri’s body language at Belgian GP told Nico Rosberg he will win the title
Norris hasn’t finished behind a teammate since his second season, but this year is shaping up to be different – and the stakes are higher than ever.
Martin Brundle has pointed out that Piastri’s calm approach could make a difference during the season’s final stretch, where pressure will be at its highest. While some believe Norris has the edge in raw speed, consistency may end up playing a bigger role.
Nico Rosberg said after Spa that Piastri looks certain of his own chances, judging by how he carried himself throughout the weekend.
McLaren were crowned constructors’ champions last season, and now either Piastri or Norris is on track to become their first drivers’ champion since Lewis Hamilton back in 2008.
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