Lando Norris heads into the 2026 season hoping to mount a profitable title defence.
Lando Norris is aware of Oscar Piastri will look to go one higher this yr (Picture: Getty)
Lando Norris has admitted team-mate Oscar Piastri is world champion materials and expects the Aussie to “make my life hell” this yr. Brit Norris heads into the 2026 season because the defending champion however, due to the brand new rules which have supplied a clear slate for everybody’s automobiles and engines, doesn’t but know whether or not he could have the equipment to struggle for back-to-back successes.
And even when he does, the 26-year-old is absolutely conscious that his team-mate will probably be out to place issues proper this time period. Piastri spent six months main the championship in 2025, however hit a patchy run of type after the summer time break which noticed him slip behind each Norris and Max Verstappen to complete third.
Whereas F1 historical past is affected by examples of relationships souring between team-mates who’re duelling for the crown, Norris and Piastri stored issues civil all through 2025 – even when there have been some complaints from followers and pundits in Australia who felt the Melbourne-born star wasn’t getting a good crack of the whip. And Norris expects no distinction heading into their fourth season collectively at McLaren.
He stated: “It is the identical. [Piastri will respond] the way in which Oscar does: By not speaking an excessive amount of and getting on with it. I needn’t say something, everybody is aware of what he can do. He’ll present precisely what he did final yr that he might be an unbelievable driver and be a world champion. I count on him to make my life hell.”
Regardless of his late-season collapse, Piastri earned much more admirers final yr with the problem he supplied for his much more skilled team-mate. And he too is happy along with his performances and method, as he mirrored on his finest yr but in F1 and responded to these from his homeland who do believes he has not been given equal therapy by McLaren.
“There’s a whole lot of classes from final yr and, sure, the ending was a bit painful, however you may deal with that in considered one of two methods. Both you may let it carry you down or let it offer you extra confidence and motivation for the long run – and with such a unique rule-set this yr, that is been an excellent avenue to channel any motivation I gained over the low season.
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“I believe I received a good shot final yr, and I am anticipating that to remain precisely the identical. That is undoubtedly to not say that sure issues may have been performed higher final yr – I believe that was most likely clear for everybody watching – however I believe, for me, at no level have been there any unhealthy intentions, or any instances I questioned the intentions.
“Issues may have been performed higher, dealt with in another way, however that is a part of elite sport and F1. You are by no means going to get each determination proper or make each single individual pleased. So I believe I received a good shot final yr, and we’re engaged on how we are able to enhance issues and make it possible for we try to change into stronger.”
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