Australian Formula 1 star Oscar Piastri's championship dream has ended in crushing fashion, with teammate Lando Norris clinching the world title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A Championship Slips Away
After months of intense competition and persistent rumours about team favouritism, the championship battle was decided under the lights of the Yas Marina Circuit. Piastri, who had the title within his grasp at points during the season, was forced to watch as Norris crossed the line to secure the ultimate prize. The result confirmed what many had anticipated, but the finality of it was a bitter pill for the Melbourne-born driver to swallow.
As Piastri brought his car to a halt, the radio messages began to flow into his helmet. His race engineer, Tom Stallard, was the first to address him. "Good job Oscar. Obviously that means Lando is world champion," Stallard said, making the new reality official.
'Cringe' Team Radio Moments Spark Reaction
What followed from McLaren team principal Zak Brown has been labelled by fans and pundits as a "cringe" or even "horrible" moment. In an effusive message, Brown celebrated the team's achievement, seemingly with little regard for Piastri's personal disappointment.
"Oscar, what a season, what a season," Brown gushed. "You're a star. Seven wins. We love ya. We'll do it again next year. Thank you Oscar for everything you've done. What a year."
Displaying immense professionalism, Piastri responded with pure class. "Thanks everyone. Well done to Lando," he said. "It's been a great season trying to beat each other so congratulations. Well done to everyone in our team. Fantastic season. Thanks for all the work. We tried our best to get there, but it wasn't quite to be. Well done everyone. Thankyou."
Stallard offered more consoling words, praising Piastri's impressive season and the team's progress from the previous year. Brown, however, jumped back on the radio with more celebratory fervour, declaring he was "very proud" and calling Piastri an "awesome" team player.
Outpouring of Support and Criticism
The post-race exchange triggered an immediate reaction. Social media flooded with support for Piastri, with many fans expressing the belief that the Australian had been unfairly treated by his team throughout the season.
Adding weight to the criticism, former world champion Nico Rosberg – who knows the pain of being a perennial runner-up to a teammate – was unimpressed. "That's (Piastri's) most horrible moment in a long, long time in his racing career," Rosberg stated on Sky Sports.
"Maybe Zak could have had a little more empathy there, rather than celebrating," he suggested. "He could have said, 'Sorry, next year will be your year,' or something like that which could have been a bit more fitting."
Later, Brown did attempt to soften the blow, labelling Piastri a "future world champion" and confirming both drivers would remain with McLaren next season. "Both of our guys won seven races, drove brilliantly, supported each other," Brown said. "It's a cruel sport, things sometimes go your way, sometimes don't. I'm excited to go racing with these two drivers next year."
The dramatic finale sets the stage for a fascinating and potentially tense 2025 season at McLaren, with Piastri undoubtedly more determined than ever to claim the crown that just slipped away.
