Details of a ban involving Oscar Piastri have emerged in a damning report ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old is preparing for a huge F1 Drivers' Championship showdown on Sunday, with Piastri, McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen all still in contention for what is shaping up to be dramatic three-way fight.
Norris leads by 12 points but Verstappen closed the gap after he capitalised on McLaren strategy errors around failing to pit early to win the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.
Piastri came second and with just 16 points separating him and Norris, still has an outside chance of claiming his first ever F1 title if the race goes his way at the Yas Marina Circuit.
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However, a new explosive report from CODE Sports sheds light on Piasri's “bordering on toxic” situation.
According to the article, Piastri has been banned from speaking to Australian media in individual interviews going into Abu Dhabi, with the explanation being that he is "too busy" - despite still being allowed to speak to the English press who have exclusive meet and greets with Norris prior to every race.
McLaren claims made in explosive report
The decision to do is believed to have increased tensions internally centering around the way in which Piastri is treated.
While McLaren principal Zak Brown has regularly reiterated that they treat both drivers equally and they will be allowed to race in Abu Dhabi - there is the feeling from many that Piastri is seen as second fiddle and that they would rather Norris win the title.
One lang-standing reporter consulted in the piece said the alleged treatment from Piastri is “the worst” he has seen towards a top driver - with McLaren insiders claiming he has been undermined and the victim of bias against him throughout the campaign.
One unnamed insider stated: “It’s disgusting to see what’s happening. It’s like he’s fighting with one arm tied behind his back.”
“He’s constantly being undermined by the team. The bias against Piastri is unquestionable.”
Despite frustrations and admitting he was "speechless” on team radio after the McLaren approach proved costly, Piastri has largely maintained a level of composure while under immense pressure.
If he or Norris emerge victorious, they will deliver a first McLaren driver's title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 - whilst also adding to a comprehensive constructors' title triumph and stopping Verstappen from winning five in a row.
To win, Piastri requires a pole position along with Norris coming sixth or lower.
Should he only finish second, he would need Norris to end up in P9 and Verstappen in fourth or lower.
SPORTbible has contacted McLaren for comment.
Topics: McLaren, Oscar Piastri, Formula 1
Josh Lawless