Piastri guards Norris at the start: "That's obviously the first rule"
F1 News
Oscar Piastri is eager to go for victory in Melbourne, but is not going to take any unnecessary risks in the battle with Lando Norris to make it happen. Although McLaren has not enforced team orders, the Australian stresses that his priority is to get the best possible result for the team.
We can get ready for an exciting start at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. Norris is set to start from pole this Sunday, with Piastri and Verstappen on his heels. "We’re free to race each other," Piastri told the media after qualifying. "I obviously want to win the race as much as Lando does," he stressed, after which he revealed that he agreed with his teammate's earlier statements.
We want to win, but, we're racing for the team
"Thinking [about] any team, not just McLaren, obviously, the number one rule is is to have no contact and to give each other space. So that’s no different." He does, however, add a comment. "If there’s opportunities for either of us to take advantage of certain situations, then we will, and we’re free to do that. But ultimately, we are racing for for the team. It’s a very important thing for us," he stressed again.
"I think we said numerous times last year, I think the teamwork that we show as drivers, but also as a team, is what won us the constructors’ championship last year. So I think it’s important to recognize that fact. Because I think obviously, the car has been strong for a while now, but I think also the team is very strong. So, that’s that’s as good as I can put it," the Australian said.