In a world where speed meets staggering sums of money, Formula 1 is dishing out a whopping $900 million prize pot in 2023 based on last year’s standings. And guess what? The cherry on top is a cool 14% of that pot – a grand total of $126 million – reserved for the leading team. Now that’s what we call some serious moolah! With that treasure chest in mind, McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, isn’t just racing on the tracks; he’s been making power moves off it too! And he’s set his sights high, high enough to reach where Oscar Piastri is!

Cast your minds back to the watery spectacle of the 2021 Qatar GP. In a nostalgic tweet by @PiastriNews, we’re reminded of a young and vibrant Oscar Piastri, back then Alpine’s reserve driver, blissfully unaware of the tugs-of-war his future held.

The camera zooms in, and there he is, holding up a cheeky sign saying, “best work experience ever”. If only he knew! Fast-forward to the now: Piastri’s unexpected switcharoo from Alpine to McLaren set the paddock aflame. Was it the ambition to reach the coveted WCC trophy (and the prize money, and the fame and so many things off of the list tor right?) Was it a strategy? Whatever it was, Brown was in the center of this high-stakes tug-of-war.

They wanted their star, and they wanted him now. Enter the F1 Contract Recognition Board, the grand arbitrator, siding with McLaren, making Alpine shed a tear or two. Zak Brown, wearing his signature grin, ought to be over the moon. After all, he’s landed one of the sport’s brightest talents. As for Alpine’s grievances? Brown’s stance is clear – all’s fair in love, war, and F1 transfers!

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While Zak Brown celebrates his strategic win in the transfer market, Piastri is already deeply entwined in the McLaren family dynamics. Let’s shift gears and see what the young Aussie has to say about the ongoing power play within the team.

Oscar Piastri speaks out on McLaren’s upgrade game

Upgrades can make or break a season, and the bustling McLaren garage is no exception. Rising star Oscar Piastri has been candid about the dynamics within the team regarding who gets the shiny new car parts first. While Lando Norris, zooming up the rankings like he’s late for an online streaming session, has been the usual first recipient, Piastri isn’t too far behind.

Indeed, while Norris has been spotted with those new enhancements in Austria and Singapore, the Australian prodigy hasn’t been left in the dust. Usually just one Grand Prix later, and voila! Oscar’s car gets the same sprucing up. With Piastri nipping at Norris’ heels, notably clinching a stellar top-three finish in Japan, it’s clear this isn’t a case of the tortoise and the hare.

Recently, in Suzuka, Oscar’s car got an upgrade that probably gave him an extra gust of wind under his wings, allowing him to finish just behind race frontrunners Verstappen and, you guessed it, Norris.

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Piastri said, “Of course it would be great if we could both have it, but I get why Lando gets them first. We try to keep it balanced.” His recent rear-wing premiere at Zandvoort stands testament to that. While Piastri is revving in ninth place in the championship, chasing the tailpipe of Mercedes’ George Russell, Norris has snagged an impressive seventh spot.

For now, the McLaren garage is buzzing with activity, upgrades, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry. As for who gets the next big upgrade? Well, that’s anyone’s guess!

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