Oscar Piastri has revealed the outcome of being asked to help Lando Norris in his bid to fend off Max Verstappen and win his first F1 world title.
Norris heads into the Qatar Grand Prix knowing victory will see him secure his first F1 world championship ahead of Piastri and Norris, who both sit 24 points behind.
The McLaren duo head into the weekend's action off the back of disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear, with the team's pace in Qatar set to be monitored as a result.
Throughout the season the McLaren team have received significant backlash for their treatment of Piastri, with the Australian admitting Monza's team orders impacted his confidence for the following races.
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"I think there was kind of some things in the lead-up, let's say, that were maybe not the most helpful and then things that happened on the weekend," he said via F1 Beyond the Grid.
Piastri refuses to help Norris win F1 title
Despite team boss Zak Brown insisting the team doesn't have a number one driver, Piastri revealed he was asked about the possibility of helping Norris secure the title during his Qatar media session.
“We've had a very brief discussion and the answer is no,” Piastri replied to media in Qatar.
“I'm still equal on points with Max and got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way.
“That's how we play it," he added.
The 24-year-old was also questioned on his disqualification in Sin City being photographed smiling leaving the FIA stewards room.
Despite the result appearing to benefit him on paper, Piastri insisted he was not happy with the outcome.
“Ultimately, it's never a good thing,” Piastri explained.
“Having the result we had, yes, it prevents me from losing those six points to Lando.
“It also brings Max much closer into the fight. Overall, it's still a net negative.
“Obviously, just a pretty difficult weekend for the team and a painful ending," he added.
Piastri will be hoping to repeat his 2024 performances in Lusail, where he won the sprint race ahead of Norris, and finished ahead of the Brit in Sunday's Grand Prix.
Topics: Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, McLaren, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins