Piastri backtracks on statement about helping Norris in Brazil
F1 News
In this year's heated championship battle, every point matters in the fight between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. After initially saying he is aiming to win the Sprint, Oscar Piastri said given the situation, he would help his teammate out.
Throughout the entire season, there was much debate about Oscar Piastri helping Lando Norris at McLaren. While that is not currently an issue at Red Bull Racing, McLaren were hesitant before to use team orders in order to maximise Norris' points in the standings.
"Try to win, that's the first thing, It's going to be a very different Sprint to las year with the resurfacing so we'll see what the weather and the temperature does. But starting from the best seat in the house so try to make sure it stays that way," Piastri initally said immediately he jumped out of his car at Interlagos.
Piastri later shares he would help Norris
Talking to Sky Sports, Piastri did underline he would help his teammate. "I think first and second is the first objective and then we'll see what order it is. I know that I'm not in the running for the drivers' standings, for the team it doesn't matter which way round we are, so I know that's the case and we'll see," he began.
The McLaren driver continued: "I've said I would [relinquish a victory] from when we first had these discussions. It would be nice to win, but it's one point different and it's not the main race, so we'll see. Lando needs the points in the drivers' standings a lot more than I do, but of course I still want to win. If I put in the effort and show good pace I'm sure that won't go unnoticed, but we'll see."
Currently, Max Verstappen leads the drivers' standings by 47 points ahead of his British rival. The Dutchman will start the Sprint tomorrow looking at Norris' rear wing, from P4.
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