Oscar Piastri has offered a revealing insight into what he believes gives McLaren the upper hand in its intense battle this season against Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
After nine rounds, Piastri leads the championship standings, with teammate Lando Norris also firmly in contention. Meanwhile, Red Bull's title hopes rest entirely on Max Verstappen’s shoulders — and that, according to Piastri, could prove decisive in the long run.
Despite the Dutchman’s two wins year-to-date – in Japan and Imola – the reigning world champion currently sits 49 points behind Piastri, hampered in large part by a car that’s struggled for consistency.
The Perks of Having a Teammate in the Fight
When asked in Barcelona about the unusual dynamic – two McLaren drivers battling one Red Bull – Piastri pointed to the mutual gains he and Norris are enjoying by pushing each other on track.
"I mean, it helps in some situations," Piastri said. "You don't have to balance both of the strategies; you can put all the attention on Max, but at the same time, Lando and I do gain something from having each other pushing."
Indeed, McLaren’s ability to deploy both drivers strategically creates opportunities to maximize points and disrupt their rival’s plans.
Friendly Fire or Fuel for Growth?
Though having two fast teammates can occasionally create internal pressure, Piastri sees it as a catalyst for performance.
"Max is obviously very experienced and very talented," he said. “But I do think that Lando and I have found some amount of lap-time by having a competitive team-mate, but that of course comes with its challenges as well."
Read also: Verstappen title hopes jeopardized as Red Bull make strategic callHe added that despite the rivalry, both drivers benefit from the intensity of competing within the same garage.
"Ultimately, we want to be fighting for a championship, beating everyone on the grid, and if you've got someone there pushing you, then whilst it gives you some challenges as a team and as a driver, it also increases your level, which is ultimately what you want."
In a title race where every tenth of a second counts, Piastri’s words highlight a critical difference: while Verstappen fights alone, McLaren’s charge is powered by two.
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