Oscar Piastri at the United States Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri refuses preferential treatment over Norris in title fight

23:55, 19 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Oscar Piastri has said that he does not want to be prioritised over Lando Norris as the two teammates continue in a tight title battle.

"It's far too close to start picking one over the other"

- Oscar Piastri

The Australian saw his lead in the drivers' championship cut by both Norris and Max Verstappen after a P5 finish, with the latter dominating proceedings to win the United States Grand Prix, while his teammate crossed the line in P2.

Those results in Austin mean the Australian is now just 14 points clear of Norris in second, while Verstappen cuts the gap to just 40 points.

But despite the close nature of the title battle, Piastri is still holding back from asking to be prioritised by McLaren.

Oscar Piastri could not find any race pace in Austin, finishing P5 - Photo: Race Pictures

"I think it's far too close to start picking one over the other," the 24-year-old stated to Sky Sports.

"We're still so incredibly tight, and we've both said we wanted an opportunity to try and fight for the championship because we deserve it.

"I think trying to work out why I just didn't gel with the car this weekend is the first port of call. It was just difficult to get into a rhythm at all, and that's been the big difference compared to other circuits recently."

Piastri falters after disappointing qualifying

Piastri gained a place over George Russell off the start by moving up to P5, but it was a qualifiyng that left the Australian straching his head.

"[Qualifying] is very important. I think today, race pace could have saved you, but I didn't really have that either. It's something I want to work on.

"I think qualifying still, generally, has been consistently good. There's obviously been highs at certain points, but this weekend, apart from Baku, has really been where the first weekend has been a letdown.

"Even if it had been sub-par before, it's still been pretty good. So there are things to try and understand from this weekend, because, clearly, it wasn't just related to qualifying."

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