Oscar Piastri’s composed demeanor after races appears to be a deliberate signal directed at his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, conveying “I’m better than you,” according to former F1 driver Johnny Herbert. The developing rivalry between Norris and Piastri is a central storyline of this Formula 1 season, intensifying as both drivers compete for the championship lead.
After seven rounds of competition, Piastri holds a narrow 13-point advantage over Norris in the drivers’ standings, having claimed victory in four of the opening seven races. This early lead provides momentum for the Australian as the season progresses.
Psychological Tactics and Performance Pressure Within McLaren
Johnny Herbert points out that Piastri demonstrates a psychological edge over Norris, particularly visible in the moments after races inside the cooldown room. Herbert suggests that both Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen apply mental pressure on Norris by projecting superiority.
The explanation of this dynamic was shared by Herbert in an interview with Fruity King, where he noted the similarities in how Verstappen and Piastri aim to unsettle Norris. Herbert stated,
“Both of them are trying to play a very similar game, which is to tell Lando,’ We are better than you. You’re not worthy to be able to beat us.’”
Herbert indicated that Norris’ path to overcoming this pressure lies in delivering consistent, rapid lap times and strong race performances, as he showed last year. However, occasional mistakes have crept into Norris’ races, possibly influenced by the mental strain of this rivalry.
Herbert added,
“If it is pressure, that’s just where you’ve got to be able to, like Max does and like Oscar seems to be able to do at the moment, is when it hits his shoulder it just ricochets off.”
He further illustrated how Norris faces intense psychological battles not only from Verstappen but also inside his own team, essentially dealing with “it in stereo.”
“Even when you see the guys in that cooldown room at the end, Oscar is so confident in that room. Sometimes it’s very, very subtle, but he’s sending a message, ‘I’m better than you.’”
— Johnny Herbert, Former F1 Driver
McLaren Introduces Updated Design for Monaco and Spain Races
In preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren has revealed a refreshed livery design, described as a “Riviera-inspired livery enhancement.” This new look coincides with the launch of OKX’s presence in the European market and pays homage to the McLaren M7A race car.
The M7A holds historical significance as McLaren’s first Formula 1 race-winning car in 1968, driven by Bruce McLaren, and it introduced the iconic papaya orange color seen on the team’s vehicles. This updated livery will be featured in both the Monaco and Spanish Grand Prix events.
Additionally, both Norris and Piastri will compete in white-themed race suits for these upcoming races, complementing the new car aesthetics.
Intensifying Rivalry Promises High Stakes for the Season Ahead
The ongoing battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri exemplifies the mental and physical competition shaping this Formula 1 season, with both drivers pushing the limits within McLaren and on the track. Piastri’s confident approach and early success demonstrate his readiness to challenge Norris for dominance in the team and the wider drivers’ championship.
As the season continues, the psychological interplay and performance details will likely remain a key storyline, while the introduction of McLaren’s new livery marks a fresh chapter visually and competitively at iconic races like Monaco.
