In Brazil, Oscar Piastri gave up the sprint victory in favor of Lando Norris. However, Max Verstappen was able to extend his lead. Will the Australian also provide support in Las Vegas?
In São Paulo, Oscar Piastri showed his ability to work as a team: the Australian got the pole position at the Interlagos circuit and probably would have won the mini race. But the young star from the British racing team gave way to his teammate so that he could win the first place and thus get one more point.
Because Norris is in a championship fight against Max Verstappen, and before the Red Bull Racing star’s victory in the GP the following day, the Englishman did not have such a bad card in the first duel. But with the Dutchman able to extend his GP lead to 62 points and his impressive comeback from 17th on the grid to victory, McLaren’s hopes of winning the drivers’ title are no longer high.
Piastri explained in front of the cameras in the paddock area in Las Vegas: “The focus is now largely on the constructors’ title, the chance to win the world championship title in the driver’s position is very, very small.”
However, the 23-year-old from Melbourne explained that he was ready to continue to support his team-mate, but also put things in perspective: “I do it under certain circumstances, and these would be very specific. But of course there are situations where I would help him, for example if there is a chance for Lando.”
Basically, Piastri stressed, he has the freedom to get the best result for himself – and therefore also for the team. “I can do as well as I can in qualifying and the race, and that will also help the team.”
From the point of view of the battle at the top of the team table, he also explained: “I think Ferrari will be stronger here, this track should suit their car well, at least on paper. We hope that we can also put on a good performance – better than last year. I hope we have a good weekend here and we will also do well in the other two rounds of the World Cup.”
World Championship Standings (after 21 of 24 Grands Prix and 5 of 6 Sprints)
the driver
01. Verstappen 393 points
02. Norris 331
03. Leclerc 307
04. Plate 262
05. Sainz 244
06. Russell 192
07. Hamilton 190
08. Tsunoda 28
09. Gas 26
10. Perez 151
11. Alonso 62
12. Hulkenberg 31
13. Walk 24
14. Ocon 23
15. Magnussen 14
16. Albon 12
17. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 12
18. Oliver Bearman (GB) 7
19. Colapinto 5
20. Lawson 4
21. Zhou 0
22. Logan Sargeant (USA) 0
23. Bota 0
Builders Cup
01. McLaren 593 points
02. Ferrari 557
03. Red Bull 544 Racing
04. Mercedes 382
05. Aston Martin 86
06. Alpine 49
07. Haas 46
08. Running Bull 44
09. Williams 17
10. Sauber 0
