SPIELBERG, Austria :Formula One leader Oscar Piastri said he would not seek preferential treatment in the title battle with McLaren teammate Lando Norris and the pair will continue to race freely after a collision in Canada two weeks ago.
The Australian is 22 points clear of Norris after winning five of the 10 races so far, with 14 remaining including Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Norris failed to score in Montreal after running into the back of Piastri’s car while trying to pass for fourth place late in the race.
Piastri said he and Norris, who accepted blame, had cleared the air already after the race and there were no changes to the rules of engagement.
“We’re still free to race, still fighting for a championship each. So, no, keep going racing and make sure that we don’t come into contact again,” he said on Thursday of the outcome of talks after Canada.
Asked about his “healthy” lead and whether he might seek preferential treatment, Piastri questioned the reporter’s take on the situation.
“Your version of healthy is much bigger than mine,” he said. “I just want, and we all want, a fair opportunity trying to win both championships. Especially in the Drivers’ Championship because ultimately it can only be one of us.
“I think the situation has to change dramatically to start having those conversations, and they’re a very long way away at the moment.
“So at the moment, all I can ask for is a fair chance to try and win the championship, and that’s what I want as well. No, I’m not willing to enter those talks at all.”
McLaren have won seven of the 10 races, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking two and Mercedes George Russell triumphant in Canada.
Despite McLaren’s success, and 175-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors’ standings, Piastri is only 43 clear of Verstappen in third place.
Canada was the first race this season without a McLaren driver on the front row or podium but Piastri sounded confident that they would be stronger in Austria.
“I think we kind of understand what went wrong in Canada. So, we’ll try and have a better weekend here, but I’m confident we’ll be back on top form,” he said.
