Brown praises Piastri’s teamwork after Norris clinches Yas Marina title

In a thrilling finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown commended Oscar Piastri for his exemplary teamwork after Lando Norris clinched the world championship title. Piastri secured second place in the race, finishing just behind Max Verstappen, while Norris finished third, accumulating enough points for the championship.

Pivotal Moments at Yas Marina

The final race of the season saw both McLaren drivers in contention for the championship. Prior to the race, Piastri trailed Norris by 16 points. The McLaren team was ready to implement team orders to ensure Norris’s title win. However, no such orders were necessary as Piastri executed a strategic overtaking maneuver on the first lap, pressuring Verstappen during the race.

Championship Dynamics

• Race Results:
  • Max Verstappen – 1st Place
  • Oscar Piastri – 2nd Place
  • Lando Norris – 3rd Place
• Points Before the Race:
  • Piastri – 16 points behind Norris
• Final Standings:
  • Norris won the championship by just two points.

Piastri held the points lead for most of the season and notably obeyed team orders during the Monza race, allowing Norris to take second place, a decision that later proved critical for Norris’s title victory.

Piastri Reflects on the Season

Following the race, Piastri expressed pride in his performance throughout the year despite not securing the championship. “I tried my best and positioned myself well to win, but it wasn’t to be,” he acknowledged. He reflected on the progress made compared to the previous year, emphasizing pride in his team’s collective achievements.

Piastri’s performance improved in the season’s final races, providing a positive note as he concluded the season. “I will look back on the ups with pride and the downs with lessons learned,” he stated.

Team Appreciation

During the post-race communication, Brown praised Piastri for being a true team player, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the season. “You’re a star. We love ya,” Brown noted, affirming their commitment to continue striving for success in the upcoming seasons.

Piastri concluded by congratulating Norris, acknowledging their competitive spirit throughout the year. The McLaren team looks forward to building on the successes and challenges faced in the 2023 season as they prepare for another competitive year ahead.