There’s a reason you couldn’t spot Oscar Piastri amongst the papaya-clad folks populating the Singapore Grand Prix podium last Sunday – he wasn’t there.
Belting out Queen’s “We Are the Champions”, McLaren had just confirmed their second Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in succession.
Ironically, the driver who had contributed the lion’s share of the points was conspicuous by his absence.
Meanwhile, the poorer half of that combo was standing up there loud and proud.
He had to polish the cat
McLaren will no doubt try to spin his omission, probably saying that Piastri had other commitments. However, if there ever was a clear message as to who is “in” the team and who is “out,” that was it.
All that false bonhomie between the two drivers that’s been pedalled has now been revealed to be the same stuff that makes the grass grow greener in Texas.
All’s fair in love and rules
Parc Ferme has been called out for being a little hard on Norris over the past couple of years. However, his actions at turn two were what any competitor worth his salt would have done; he went for the gap.
Norris has stepped up in recent races and is now finally channeling, politely put, his inner race driver. It seems only fair to recognize that he’s cowboyed up and is making inroads into his teammates’ points lead.
Luckily for him, Oscar didn’t get the memo and is still playing by Papaya rules. The ones where, if the coin lands on ‘heads’, Lando wins, and if it lands on ‘tails’, Oscar loses.
Just not cricket
As for the incident, under normal circumstances, the young Aussie would have squeezed his teammate far more aggressively, probably resulting in a contact that could have finished Norris’s race.
However, still following the team’s directive, he left him space and Norris simply windmilled through, pushing his teammate wide.
In that context, it’s hardly surprising he requested the place back. Unsurprisingly, it was denied.
Psssh… Tunnel, sorry
Oscar unplugging his radio while Zak was mid-platitude on his contribution to the F1 Constructors’ Championship spoke volumes about his feelings.
Regardless, he needs to reflect on the part he played in allowing Lando to pass. I expect Mark Webber will explain that his integrity was his downfall.
In a competition where fair play and following the rules are generally seen as weaknesses, he should contemplate how he proceeds for the final races of the season.
Think Senna
Now is the time for Oscar to keep his head down and define how he wins the F1 Drivers' World Championship—more getting even and less getting mad.
Meanwhile, Lando should brace himself for some tough times, and McLaren should consider their position. It's time to publicly tear up and burn their anti-racing rules that should never have existed in the first place.
If they don’t, someone else will… in a more violent fashion
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