Why Oscar Piastri’s behaviour after the Singapore Grand Prix suggests he’s ‘on his own’ in F1 title fight

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Oscar Piastri was again at the centre of controversy at McLaren at the Singapore Grand Prix, as Lando Norris closed the gap further in the title fight.

The Woking outfit were beaten for a third consecutive race as George Russell claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix. Norris and Piastri finished P3 and P4 respectively, securing the constructors’ championship.

But their title celebrations were overshadowed by more drama among their drivers as they collided on the opening lap. Norris got a great start from P5 on the grid and passed Kimi Antonelli and his McLaren teammate.

However, entering turn three, he hit the back of Max Verstappen before sliding into Piastri, banging wheels. Jenson Button felt Norris’ incident was ‘unusual’ in that he suffered understeer after the contact with Verstappen.

Piastri was furious over the radio, accusing Norris of poor teamwork as he barged his way into third. The Aussie constantly demanded that the positions be swapped back, but McLaren did not budge, nor did the stewards issue a penalty.

Martin Brundle felt Norris was ‘aggressive’ in his overtaking, but saw no issue with it. Ultimately, the Brit finished ahead of Piastri for the third race in a row, cutting his lead down to 22 points.

Oscar Piastri’s omission from McLaren’s constructors’ title podium celebrations suggests he’s ‘on his own’ in title fight

With six races to go in 2025, McLaren have created a problem with team orders, especially after the fallout of the Italian GP. Piastri was asked to swap positions with Norris after the latter suffered a slow pit stop, having been ahead for much of the race.

The Brit is now less than a race win’s worth of points behind his teammate, which has prompted rumours of favouritism within the team. People in the paddock believe McLaren are favouring Norris in the title fight.

It can be argued that the Woking outfit’s team orders in Monza and Singapore prove that theory, as Norris was clearly prioritised. Piastri’s behaviour after the race at Marina Bay highlights that there is more division than ever at McLaren.

James Hinchcliffe noted that Piastri was absent from the team’s constructors’ title celebrations on the podium in Singapore. He questioned whether the Aussie’s mentality was that he is now ‘on his own’ in the title fight.

“He was very salty after the contact. And we can actually see live pictures there. That was Oscar Piastri in the media pen, fulfilling media duties,” he said via F1 TV’s Post-Race Live Show.

“He’s not on the podium, cheering with the rest of the race team. Is that an indication, Ruth, that his mindset is: ‘The constructors’ is done. The drivers’ championship is on. I feel wronged in turn three and the team did nothing about it. I’m on my own now.”

Of course, drivers are contractually obligated to fulfil media duties at race weekends, which Piastri was doing in Singapore. But given his frustration over McLaren’s decision in his clash with Norris, it adds fuel to the fire that the 24-year-old is fighting alone in this title battle.

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More concerns are growing in the paddock about Oscar Piastri’s title chances

Anthony Davidson felt Norris should have been penalised for his antics at turn three with Piastri. Nevertheless, nothing was made of it by the FIA or McLaren as he cut down his teammate’s lead.

As much as the Aussie seemed more relaxed about the issue after the race, his discontent was clear to hear over the radio. He certainly will not be happy with Norris’ overtake and his team’s orders, especially where he has not been favoured in the past.

The championship leader is noticeably more agitated as he tries to hold on to his advantage. The F1 paddock is growing more concerned about Piastri, wondering if the pressure of fighting for the title is getting to him.

Button has noticed a worrying change in Piastri as he believes the championship is taking its toll on the 24-year-old. With all the noise surrounding him and McLaren’s approach, it is imperative that he keeps his cool and focuses on the challenge ahead.