- Zak Brown has given permission to drivers to race hard – ‘just don’t touch’
- Oscar Piastri and teammate Lando Norris have locked out the front row
McLaren boss Zak Brown has given his superstar drivers permission to race each other hard on Sunday afternoon at the Australian Grand Prix, but there’s just one simple condition.
Hometown hero Oscar Piastri will start the race from second after being pipped for a historic pole by McLaren teammate Lando Norris in qualifying.
The papaya pair were embroiled in several tense tussles during the 2024 season, and Norris says they are both free to race hard again in Melbourne.
‘We’re free to do whatever, just don’t touch,’ the Brit said during the driver’s parade.
‘We’re both competitors and we both want to win, so we’ll see.’
Norris looked in good spirits despite the chaotic Melbourne weather that has seen two races at Albert Park abandoned already.
Oscar Piastri is free to race Lando Norris as hard as he wants on Sunday
McLaren boss Zak Brown said his charges can race hard in Melbourne – ‘just not touch’
Rain is expected throughout the day, which could cause volatile conditions in the season opener.
‘I feel sorry for the fans sitting out here for so long,’ Norris said.
‘But I hope it won’t be too bad later and the rain dies down, and we’ll be able to get a good race in.’
Piastri is aiming to become the first Australian driver to stand on the podium in Melbourne, let alone win the race.
Alan Jones was the most recent local winner of the Australian GP, back in 1980 at Calder Park Raceway, before the race joined the F1 world championship calendar in 1985.
But after winning two races last season, McLaren coming off an unexpected constructors championship and blitzing rivals with their pace, the 23-year-old is feeling good.
‘This is the most relaxed I’ve been at my home race,’ Piastri said.
‘The first two years, especially the first year I came here, it was a pretty overwhelming experience.
McLaren are the clear favorites heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season
‘Even last year, it was still a pretty big experience.
‘This year I’ve just been able to enjoy it a bit more; maybe because I’ve been a bit more confident in the car under me.
‘But I’ve really been enjoying it and been enjoying the support.
‘I feel like the support’s gone up a little bit since last year as well.
‘It’s amazing what happens when you start winning stuff.
‘But no, it’s great to have all the home support and very appreciated.’
