Piastri, who claimed his first win of the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend, acknowledged that despite his recent victory, McLaren\u2019s strategy is still focused on giving Norris the best possible chance of competing for the title. Norris, who currently sits 59 points behind Red Bull\u2019s Max Verstappen, is McLaren\u2019s best hope of mounting a serious challenge for the championship.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Australian reflected on his role within the team and emphasised that his primary goal remains to win races. However, Piastri made it clear that he is willing to assist Norris if needed. \u201cLando is still ahead in the championship and, just being honest, has a more realistic chance of winning the championship,\" BBC quoted Piastri as saying. \u201cIf I am in a position to still win races, that\u2019s what I want to do. But naturally, if there are times I can help out for Lando\u2019s championship bid, then I\u2019ll be happy to help if I can.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Norris has been McLaren\u2019s lead driver in the championship fight, having outpaced Piastri by 32 points going into Singapore. McLaren has already leaned towards supporting Norris, with team principal Andrea Stella previously stating that the team would \u201cbias\u201d their strategy towards the Briton due to his closer proximity to the championship leader Verstappen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite these plans, Piastri noted that his teammate was unable to capitalise on the strategy in Baku, where Norris was affected by a yellow flag during qualifying and started 15th on the grid. He ultimately finished fourth, one place ahead of Verstappen, while Piastri drove to victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his Baku triumph, Piastri credited Norris for playing a crucial role in the team\u2019s success, particularly with tyre management. \u201cLando was definitely a factor in the race. He helped with some \u2018tyre saving\u2019 with Checo [Sergio Perez],\u201d Piastri said, referring to Norris backing up Perez to give his teammate a strategic advantage during his pit stop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Piastri was cautious about predicting how the team\u2019s dynamic would evolve in Singapore, explaining that much depends on how the race weekend unfolds. \u201cUntil you arrive in a specific situation, it\u2019s difficult to discuss apart from demonstrating it on track,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Verstappen, who has been facing a dip in Red Bull\u2019s competitiveness, also addressed the media in Singapore. After going seven races without a victory, the reigning world champion acknowledged that the Singapore track\u2019s characteristics could pose challenges for his team. \u201cOur car is generally not very good on bumps and kerbs and that\u2019s what we have here,\u201d Verstappen admitted. \u201cWe have to try and stabilize it. I am definitely targeting Q3 but let\u2019s see where we end up.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Verstappen also expressed his approval of Red Bull\u2019s plan to promote his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to a wider role in the team, following sporting director Jonathan Wheatley\u2019s upcoming departure to Sauber\/Audi. Lambiase will be appointed head of racing at the end of the season while continuing his duties as Verstappen\u2019s race engineer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Verstappen, who has been facing a dip in Red Bull\u2019s competitiveness, also addressed the media in Singapore. After going seven races without a victory, the reigning world champion acknowledged that the Singapore track\u2019s characteristics could pose challenges for his team. \u201cOur car is generally not very good on bumps and kerbs and that\u2019s what we have here,\u201d Verstappen admitted. \u201cWe have to try and stabilize it. I am definitely targeting Q3 but let\u2019s see where we end up.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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