Oscar Piastri has delivered a defiant message following his narrow defeat in the 2025 Formula One World Championship, dismissing any suggestion that title winner Lando Norris should receive preferential treatment from McLaren going forward.
The Australian finished third in the drivers' standings after Sunday's Abu Dhabi finale, where Norris clinched his maiden world title in a thrilling three-way battle that also involved Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
"For me, 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," Piastri declared.
"I'm expecting full fairness from the team and equality going forward."
Oscar Piastri has demanded equality from McLaren going into next year's season
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McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has moved swiftly to endorse Piastri's championship credentials despite the agonising near-miss.
"He is a future world champion," Brown told Sky Sports. "Both of our guys won seven races, drove brilliantly, supported each other… It's a cruel sport. Things sometimes go your way, sometimes don't."
The American businessman's public backing underscores McLaren's commitment to maintaining competitive parity between their drivers.
Throughout the campaign, the Woking-based outfit grappled with the delicate challenge of managing two genuine title contenders simultaneously.
McLaren boss Zak Brown has insisted Oscar Piastri is a 'future champion'
| GETTYThat task became considerably more complex when Verstappen re-emerged as a threat following the summer break, transforming the championship into a three-cornered contest.
Piastri and Norris have managed to preserve their friendship throughout what proved an intensely competitive season, a feat rarely achieved when teammates battle for the ultimate prize.
The warmth between the pair was evident in Abu Dhabi, where Piastri offered heartfelt congratulations to Norris and his family moments after the championship was decided.
"I think it is a testament to the way we go racing," Piastri reflected on their enduring relationship.
He acknowledged that pushing each other to the limit had occasionally created uncomfortable moments for all involved, yet maintained that both drivers had improved as a consequence of their rivalry.
Oscar Piastri had led the championship earlier in the season before Lando Norris overtook him
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Piastri candidly admitted that his late-season slump, which saw him endure six races without a podium after establishing a commanding 34-point advantage, had provided valuable education.
"There've definitely been lessons directly to do with how I drive the car, how I can be better in different conditions, and just become a better all-round driver," he explained.
Lando Norris became world champion after finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the weekend
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The 24-year-old also spoke of personal growth beyond the cockpit, learning to cope with setbacks and challenging periods.
With sweeping regulatory changes arriving in 2026, Piastri appears determined to apply these hard-won lessons as he mounts another assault on the championship.