“Lando’s Top Drawer”: Oscar Piastri’s Closest Aide Shockingly Picks Norris Amid Brewing Conflict Between McLaren Duo

The fights and controversy seem to have started now that the Formula 1 circus has reached its midway point. Despite the fact that it is summer break time, Oscar Piastri‘s performance just before the break astounded the entire F1 community. The McLaren garage, which at the beginning of the season seemed more like a mentor and learners camp, is now seething with challenges and adding fuel to the fire instead of siding with Oscar Piastri, his closest ally betrayed him and placed Lando Norris in the top drawer. Who is that ally?

Oscar Piastri received guidance from Mark Webber, a fellow countryman, and nine-time Grand Prix champion, before ascending to the top of the sport. The former Red Bull driver is well aware of several situations that might arise when you are battling a member of your own team. The Australian, however, has fueled the feud between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri that has been simmering since Piastri’s recent comments backing him to take down the British driver.

Webber has made a surprising statement that Piastri won’t be happy to hear since the Australian already knows that Lando Norris has every trick to beat Piastri. And given the 22-year-old is only now beginning to establish himself in this fierce competition, Webber unexpectedly sided with Lando Norris.

In his interview with Formula1.com, the former Red Bull driver remarked, “Lando has been exceptional, Lando’s top drawer, we know that.” However, he later also rubberstamped the fact that he is proud of the performance Piastri has displayed as he continued and said, “And Oscar has just held himself in such… Of course, we’re all very proud of him.”

READ MORE: “We’re in Disneyland”: Mark Webber Sarcastically Takes a Swipe at McLaren as Protege Oscar Piastri Struggles to Find His Feet in F1

Webber has long been associated with Piastri, and even though he supported Norris, he highlighted one thing that may boost the Melbourne native’s performance.

Mark Webber outlines how Oscar Piastri can compete with Lando Norris in their battle

Webber expressed his concern for Piastri earlier in the season. At one time, he even poked fun at McLaren when the Papaya Army struggled toward the rear of the grid. The ex-Red Bull driver is well aware of Piastri’s potential and has seen the Melbourne native displaying his talent in the top echelons in the first half of the season. And in light of this, the Australian claims that Piastri won’t stop and will push himself to deliver more in the second half.

The Australian initially stated, “He’s had a phenomenal, phenomenal entry in his first year.” Later, while outlining Piastri’s characteristic trait, which will help him to take on the battle in the second half, he added, “But being Oscar, he will continue to work on where he can improve and keep getting better.”

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Currently, Piastri has added 34 points to his bag and is 11th in the Drivers Championship. Comparatively, Lando Norris sits at 8th with 69 points. Having a look at how both the drivers have pushed the upgrade MCL60, do you think the second round is going to be much more fierce?