In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of talk about possible favoritism from the Papaya team toward the British driver — a theory supported by Bernie Eccleston which ultimately proved unfounded — as Norris regained the championship lead from Mexico onwards, while Piastri, following the summer break, suffered a slump in results.

During a parliamentary committee meeting on Regional Affairs and Transport, the committee’s deputy chair, Matthew Canavan, asked a question to Anthony Chisholm, assistant to the Minister for Regional Development, which drew laughter from those present.

“Do you think McLaren is biased against Oscar Piastri, costing him the World Championship?” he asked.

“I definitely think he’s made some raw decisions this year, and someone with a daughter who’s become obsessed with F1 — she’ll be very upset when she gets up this morning,” came the lighthearted reply.

The driver hit hardest by McLaren’s strategic misstep was the Australian, who went from leading the race to surrendering the win to Max Verstappen — though he still picked up valuable points over his teammate in the title fight.

Brundle, acknowledging McLaren’s error, also highlighted three areas where the Papaya team had gambled, only to be left disappointed on all fronts.