McLaren ask Oscar Piastri to back Lando Norris F1 title bid

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has revealed that the team will focus on supporting Lando Norris in his quest to win the Formula 1 world championships this year, prioritizing him over his teammate Oscar Piastri. Stella's statement comes as no surprise, as Norris had an outstanding season last year and has continued to impress in 2022. The young British driver has consistently outperformed Piastri and currently sits third in the driver's standings, just behind the two Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Speaking to BBC Sport, Stella explained McLaren's decision, stating, "Lando has proven himself to be a truly exceptional driver. He has shown incredible skill and determination, and we believe he has the potential to fight for the championship this year. We want to give him all the support he needs to achieve that." While Stella acknowledged Piastri's talent and potential, he emphasized the importance of having a clear number one driver within the team. "It's crucial to have a lead driver who can consistently challenge for victories and score maximum points," Stella said. "At this stage, Lando is the stronger of the two, and we want to maximize our chances of winning both the driver's and constructor's championships." The decision to prioritize Norris does not mean that Piastri will be completely sidelined or left without support. McLaren remains committed to developing young talent and nurturing Piastri's career. Stella reassured Piastri, saying, "Oscar