Lando Norris, the defending Formula 1 world champion, has openly recognized the championship credentials of his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, and expects the Australian driver to “make my life hell” during the 2026 season. As Norris aims to defend his title, he faces uncertainty about whether the new regulations—which have equalized car and power unit performance across teams—will grant him the machinery needed to secure back-to-back championships.
Despite this, Norris, 26, is fully aware that Piastri is more motivated than ever to prove his worth. The 2025 season saw Piastri lead the championship for six months before a mid-season dip hampered his consistency, ultimately finishing third behind Norris and Max Verstappen. Yet, despite the intense intra-team competition, their relationship remained professional and respectful throughout the year.
“I expect Oscar to respond the way he always does: by focusing on the track rather than words,” Norris said. “Everyone knows what he’s capable of. He proved last year that he can be an incredible driver and a world champion. I fully expect him to make my life hell this season.”
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Piastri, who attracted growing admiration for his challenge against his more experienced rival, reflected positively on his best F1 season to date. Addressing concerns from Australian fans about alleged unequal treatment within McLaren, Piastri emphasized fairness and his hunger for success.
“I’m not here just to be seen as a ‘nice person’,” Piastri stated. “I’m here to become an F1 world champion. Last year taught me many lessons—yes, the end was tough, but it either brings you down or fuels you with motivation. With a new rule set this year, I’ve channelled that motivation into preparing for a stronger season.”
He added, “I believe I got a fair shot last year. While some things could have been handled better, I never doubted any intentions. F1 is elite sport—decisions aren’t always perfect, and it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. We’re now focused on improving and becoming stronger as a team.”
As McLaren embarks on their fourth season together, the dynamic between Norris and Piastri promises intense rivalry and thrilling racing action, with both drivers determined to claim the ultimate prize.