Norris explains choice to swap with Piastri: 'Care more about Grands Prix'

Norris on choice during sprint race Qatar

First of all, Norris explained that it didn't hurt him to give the win to Piastri: "I made my mind up in Brazil when it happened. It's a sprint. I care so much more about the Grand Prix as does everyone. After it happened in Brazil, I made my mind up that I needed to do something to give it back".

McLaren made it clear over the team radio that Norris was instructed not to pass Piastri. The Briton made the decision entirely by himself. He reaffirmed this after the sprint race: "It wasn't something that was really discussed. I didn't have to do it if i didn't want to. I told my engineer that I would do it. So he was the main one that probably knew about it. And I told him before the race, if we have a bit of a gap, first and second, then I would try and do it."

The McLaren driver continued. "He was telling me not to do it because I think the gap to George was probably a bit too fine for their liking. But Oscar did his part in trying to help me win. Helped me get closer to Max in the championship. I deserve that right to have a chance. And that's how we have to work as a team when one of us has that opportunity. And I return the favour today," Norris added.

"I don't think any of us are proud of necessarily winning a sprint race, or we're also not too unhappy on giving up a sprint race win. But we work together well as a team. And I think that's probably one of our biggest strengths over everyone is how well we work together. I don't think any other team would do such a thing and help each other as much as we've done this year for one another. And yes, it's our strength and we'll continue to do that," he concluded.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton