Oscar Piastri appeared to aim a savage dig at Lando Norris after missing out on the Formula 1 world title.
Piastri, 24, was left disappointed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as his title hopes went up in smoke.
Max Verstappen won the race but fell two points short of Norris, who clinched his maiden title by coming home in third place.
During the title celebrations, Piastri was in the wrong place at the wrong time as he was seen being hit by Norris' world champion sign.
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Despite letting a healthy lead slip in the title fight, Piastri was gracious in defeat as he was seen sharing an embrace with Norris shortly after the chequered flag and also offer some kind words.
Speaking in an interview, the Australian said: "I think a very deserving winner. I know that every weekend I go on track, it’s going to be tough.
"We’ve pushed each other through the last three years, especially this season, it’s been tighter than ever. He’s had a great season. I think, probably all three of us, but obviously myself and Lando, in the same team and the same car, had our ups and downs at different moments. Ultimately, he’s had a good season and deserving champion."
Although Norris will now head into the 2026 campaign as the champion, Piastri stated that the team dynamic will not change while joking that the Brit did not 'become Superman' by winning the title.
Piastri added: "He’s obviously had a great season this year and a deserving champion, but he’s still Lando Norris, it’s not like he’s become Superman.
"I don’t think things will change. [I’m] expecting, obviously, full fairness from the team and equality going forward."
He continued: "I don’t have any concern that that will change at all. But Lando’s had a very strong season this year, and, ultimately did a better job."
Norris speaks out on Piastri after F1 title victory
Meanwhile, Norris stated after the race that he wanted Piastri to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He explained: "I wanted Oscar to win today. That would have made me even happier, seeing Oscar on the top step, because he would have got his job done of trying to finish second [in the championship], and I would have also got my job done through that.
"So it's a shame that couldn't be the case, and honestly, I was really hoping that was going to be the case."
Topics: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Formula 1
Marcus Chan