Lando Norris drops Oscar Piastri bombshell after McLaren deal signed – “He already is”

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are set to spend at least three more seasons as McLaren team-mates, after the Briton signed an extension with the Woking-based squad.

According to Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri is already proving to be a tougher teammate compared to Daniel Ricciardo.

On Friday, Norris agreed to a fresh agreement with McLaren. The contract, referred to as “multi-year,” was not publicly disclosed with a specific duration, ensuring the driver lineup of the Woking-based team remains unchanged until at least 2026.

That’s because team-mate Piastri also has a long-term deal of his own. That was signed last year, midway through the Aussie’s sensational debut Formula 1 season which saw him podium twice and win a Sprint race.

The team looks well-placed to enjoy more success in the coming years with two of the youngest and most talented drivers in F1 tied down to multi-year deals. It vindicates the team’s decision to axe Ricciardo a year earlier than planned as the former Red Bull racer struggled to perform in 2022.

Speaking after confirmation of his new contract, Norris spoke of how he is being pushed by Piastri. Asked by Sky Sports if the 22-year-old is a tougher team-mate than his predecessor, the Briton replied: “[He] already is. He gave me a good challenge last year. I think we work together really well. I think he’s an extremely talented driver, he’s a very hard worker so I enjoyed it.

“It was nice to have that bit more of a push. As much as you hate it, you also like and welcome it because I want to make sure I’m in the best position for, when I am fighting for a championship, that I am ready on all accounts and when you have a driver and team-mate that can push you that little bit more, it’s only going to make you even more ready.

That’s what I had last year. He helped the team massively and I think we worked together very well because we have the same target. We want to be champions and we want to win races and we’re not going to do that by hating on one another and not getting along.

When you begin striving for race victories, the circumstances always undergo a transformation, but he provided valuable assistance to the team, which was essential. I eagerly anticipate engaging in more intense competitions and collaborating for an extended period of time.

Norris expressed his confidence in his ability to fulfill his ambitious goals by agreeing to his new contract. He emphasized his desire to win the championship with McLaren, as they were the team that introduced him to Formula 1 and provided him with this chance.

“So, in some ways, I feel like I owe it to them and I’m just very much part of the family and very much enjoying where I am. I don’t want to join a different team and not enjoy it. I’m excited to be part of that family, especially on the trajectory that we’re on.”