Oscar Piastri’s Bombshell Instagram Post: McLaren F1 Team in Crisis?
LAS VEGAS, NV – November 22, 2025 – The Formula 1 world is reeling after Oscar Piastri seemingly confirmed simmering tensions within McLaren with a now-deleted Instagram post. The explosive move, featuring a quote from former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, suggests the Australian driver believes the team is unfairly favoring teammate Lando Norris in the championship race. This is breaking news that could reshape the final three races of the season and beyond. This story is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
Oscar Piastri during practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, just hours before the Instagram controversy erupted. (Image Placeholder)
From Championship Leader to Struggling Contender
Just ten weeks ago, Piastri held a commanding 34-point lead in the drivers’ standings. Now, he trails Lando Norris by 24 points, a dramatic reversal fueled by a recent slump in performance. The shift coincides with a series of strategic decisions by McLaren that have raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of bias. Piastri has failed to reach the podium in the last five Grand Prix, a stark contrast to his early-season form.
The Deleted Post: A Damning Accusation
The post, quickly removed from Piastri’s Instagram account, quoted Ecclestone stating: “McLaren prefers the English driver Norris. He has more star quality and marketing appeal for them, has more camera presence and publicity. That’s probably why he’s better for McLaren.” This is a particularly stinging rebuke, as Piastri has previously maintained a publicly neutral stance regarding team decisions. The speed with which the post was deleted only amplified the controversy, suggesting a moment of raw emotion and frustration.
A screenshot of the Bernie Ecclestone quote Piastri briefly posted to Instagram. (Image Placeholder)
A Pattern of Perceived Favoritism
The accusations aren’t new. At the Italian Grand Prix (Monza), Piastri was controversially ordered to cede second place to Norris following a pit stop issue. In Hungary, Norris benefited from a one-stop strategy that secured him the win, while Piastri was forced to make two stops. The Singapore Grand Prix saw further friction when Norris collided with Max Verstappen, impacting Piastri’s race, yet McLaren didn’t require Norris to give back the position. Adding insult to injury, the team celebrated their constructors’ championship win on the podium without waiting for Piastri, who was preparing for media interviews.
The ‘Papaya Rules’ Under Scrutiny
McLaren operates under what they call “papaya rules,” intended to ensure equal treatment for both drivers. However, many fans and analysts believe these rules have been consistently disregarded in favor of Norris, a British driver with significant marketing appeal. Ecclestone himself believes Piastri is “upset and tired” of the situation, feeling increasingly frustrated by the perceived bias and the impact on his championship hopes.
Zak Brown’s Response: A Delicate Balance
McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently praised Piastri’s “fighting spirit” despite his recent struggles, but also acknowledged Norris’s ability to handle the negative attention stemming from the favoritism accusations. Brown stated Norris recognizes the booing he’s receiving is partially directed at the team’s decisions. He also insisted that the dynamic between the drivers is “real” and “chilled,” attempting to downplay the internal tension. However, Brown’s comments feel increasingly out of touch with the growing public perception of a fractured team.
The Championship Implications & The Future of McLaren
With only three races remaining – Las Vegas, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi – Piastri faces an uphill battle to close the 24-point gap to Norris. The situation raises serious questions about the long-term health of the McLaren team. Can they navigate this internal conflict and maintain a competitive edge? Will Piastri seek opportunities elsewhere if he feels his championship aspirations are consistently undermined? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly shape the future of McLaren and the landscape of Formula 1. The drama unfolding at McLaren serves as a potent reminder of the high-stakes, emotionally charged world of F1, where even the slightest strategic decision can have monumental consequences. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the F1 season.
