McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has responded strongly to George Russell’s claims about their cars’ supposed dominance. Calling his comments “far-fetched,” the driver was quick to shoot down the idea that the Papaya team will be consistently at the top of the grid for the rest of the season.
This follows a very impressive showing at the 2025 Formula 1 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris achieved a grand slam: taking pole, winning the Grand Prix, and driving the fastest lap of the race. Piastri was driving a solid race as well, trailing his team-mate closely. But a mistake towards the end of his Melbourne campaign saw him fall to ninth.
Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Russell commented on this dominance, claiming that the team has an unbeatable advantage.
The Briton declared the McLaren is “at such an advantage because they can stop development now and go fully on ‘26 as it’s difficult to overcome that gap.”
“Red Bull started the [2024] season off so far ahead of everyone, but I don’t think people overtook them in terms of development. They brought some things to the car and went backwards – or had some things – let’s say – clarified, and went backwards.
“If you’ve got a six tenths advantage at the start of the year, nobody finds six tenths throughout the course of a year. So McLaren are in prime position for now and the future.”
In contrast, Lando Norris has been far more cautious in his assessment of what’s to come this season, admitting his car is “difficult to drive.”
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“Just from a car point of view, you know, the car is doing and performing well, but it’s still extremely difficult to drive. We know in certain conditions, like in the wettest conditions, Max was just as quick as us. In the dry conditions we were a bit better, so just making the car a little bit more predictable and a little bit more comfortable.”
When asked by Motorsport.com about these contrasting statements ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Piastri didn’t hold back in his response.
“I think one of those statements is pretty far-fetched. I’ll let you decide which one,” Piastri stated pointedly.
“But, no, I think, you know, clearly our car was very strong in Melbourne. I think there’s no denying that. I think we got to a place where it was also handling well. You know, of course we’re racing drivers, we’re never gonna have everything we want, but I think it was clear that in all the conditions in Melbourne, our car was very strong.”
The Australian driver didn’t shy away from addressing Russell’s comments directly:
“Yeah, George, he’s come up with some funny things in the last couple of weeks. We’ll see.”
Piastri emphasised that their dominant showing in Australia might be an exception rather than the rule for the 2025 season:
“I think, you know, it’s just one race, it’s been a track that’s been competitive for us the last couple of years, even when our car wasn’t as dominant as a Red Bull. So, I think we’ll go to different tracks where we will struggle more. That’s for sure.”
He finished, almost pessimistically:
“So, if he wants to write off his season after the first weekend, then I’ll let him do that. But, I think we’re very aware that, you know, Melbourne was, I think, an exceptional weekend rather than what we’re expecting to be the norm.”
