“It’s time to go”: Oscar Piastri admits there is ‘tension’ at McLaren as disagreement with boss Zak Brown rocks F1 world
In a revealing confession that has turned the Formula 1 world upside downOscar Piastriadmitted for the first time that there is ‘tension’ within McLaren due to a profound disagreement with the team bossZak Brown. The 23-year-old Australian, who is sliding from a dominant championship lead to 24 points behind teammateLando Norris, hinted at a split during an emotional press conference after the Brazilian GP:“It’s time to go.”These words, spoken in the aftermath of a controversial 10-second penalty that destroyed his race, conjure up images of internal power struggles and possible plans to leave. As McLaren fights for a double title – constructors already in, drivers still open – Piastri’s frustration threatens to undermine the harmonious ‘papaya rules’, with rumors of an early retirement roiling the paddock. Is this the end of Piastri’s McLaren dream, or a wake-up call for Brown to restore balance?
The spark had already ignited in Singapore, where Piastri abruptly turned off Brown’s radio during celebrations for McLaren’s second consecutive constructors’ championship – in the middle of a congratulatory message. “Oscar, back-to-back champions!” came Brown’s voice, but Piastri cut him off coldly, using the excuse of obligatory media obligations. Images of an empty McLaren garage – Piastri and Norris absent – went viral, with fans speculating a rift. Now, after the Brazilian GP at Interlagos, the bomb exploded. Piastri’s triple attack on Mercedes rookieKimi Antonelliat Ferrari’sCharles Leclercled to a pile-up: Leclerc eliminated, Antonelli spun, and Piastri penalized 10 seconds plus two license points for ‘completely at fault’. From provisional P2 to P5; eight points instead of 18. Norris won from pole, and the gap grew from 12 to 24 points with just three races left.
“It’s not fair,” Piastri fulminated in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1. “Zak and I clash over how McLaren is treating us. The penalty was unfair – evidence shows Antonelli’s wheelspin and late braking – but we didn’t appeal, just like in Singapore where Lando blocked me and no one intervened. Zak says ‘let them race’, but that feels like favouritism. Norris gets the calls, I get the consequences. It’s time to go if this continues.” This admission follows rumors from IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who claimed Brown never wanted Piastri: “Zak said my seat was not in danger from Oscar.” Brown vehemently denied: “Absurd nonsense. Oscar is a genius – fast, simple, a pleasure to work with. We wouldn’t trade our line-up for anyone.”
The tension has been escalating for months. Piastri led from Saudi Arabia to Baku, but since Monza – where he swapped positions with Norris on team orders – he has collapsed. A 58-point swing in six races: no more podium, best result P5. Norris dominates head-to-head 14-1 in qualifying, sprint and races. “Monza was the turning point,” Piastri admits. “I gave in for strategy, but it felt like a betrayal. Since then I’ve been overdrive, making mistakes – Baku was my worst weekend ever.” In Baku he crashed in Q3 and had a jump start; Singapore let Norris pass; Austin sprint crash; Brazil penalty. McLaren blames it on low-grip tracks (Austin, Mexico, Interlagos’ grooves force higher ground clearance, less downforce), but Piastri’s laps are 0.3-0.7s slower than Norris. “I fight myself,” he confesses. Eight license points separate him from a racing ban.
Brown’s ‘no team orders’ philosophy – traumatized by 2007’s Hamilton-Alonso war that handed Räikkönen the title by one point – clashes with reality. “Better to end up tied and lose than a coin toss,” he said. Noble, but risky: Norris flourishes, Piastri languishes. Andrea Stella: “They complement each other – Oscar learns from Lando.” But rumors are buzzing: Piastri’s contract until 2026, with options, lures Red Bull and Ferrari. “If this favoritism continues, I will go,” Piastri warns. Fans rage at X (#JusticeForOscar: 2.5M impressions), with Monza swap memes like ‘title robbery’.
The paddock splits. Brundle: “Piastri’s frustration is legitimate – Monza tilted the balance.” Leclerc: “Shared blame in Brazil, but McLaren’s silence screams.” Verstappen chuckles: “Press them – I’m watching.” Brown’s ultimatum to FIA over Verstappen’s engine change fuels speculation: is he protecting Norris? With 83 points left (Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi), everything depends on Piastri’s resilience. “Baku taught me more than just a win,” he says. “I still believe in winning races.”
When Vegas’ neon beckons on November 22, this isn’t a blip – it’s a crossroads. McLaren’s harmony cracks; Piastri’s fire smolders. Brown’s equality? Noble, but naive. The title is a three-race inferno; Piastri’s comeback? A legend in the making. Or a farewell that shakes F1. It’s time to go – or fight.
Las Vegas GP: November 20-23. Live on ESPN/F1 TV. #PiastriTension #McLarenFavoritism #F1Title battle 🏁💥
