Formula 1 drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri says all he wants is “a fair opportunity” in his quest to become world champion.
Piastri has a 22-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, with the duo participating in a championship fight that has captivated audiences through the first half of this season.
Four-time defending world champion Max Verstappen, who has two grand prix wins this year, has not given up the fight and is 43 points adrift of Piastri.
After predicting that on-track drama was “inevitable” ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris drove into the back of Piastri late in the race as the teammates battled for fourth.
Norris, who then went into the barrier, failed to finish while Piastri finished fourth and established the season-high 22-point lead in the championship.
The championship battle resumes at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, with McLaren insisting their two drivers are free to race each other in pursuit of the title.
Piastri, who has won five grands prix this season, refuses to entertain the idea of McLaren prioritising one driver over the other, as the team attempts to win the drivers’ championship for the first time since 2008.
“I think, for me, I just want — and we all want — a fair opportunity trying to win both championships, especially in the drivers’ championship, because ultimately, it can only be one of us,” he said.
“I think the situation has to change dramatically to start having those conversations, and they’re a very long way away at the moment.
“So at the moment, all I can ask for is a fair chance to try and win the championship, and that’s what I want as well.
“No, I’m not willing to enter those talks at all.”
McLaren enjoys a commanding 175-point lead in the constructors’ championship, a title they won in 2024.
But George Russell’s win in Canada proved Mercedes had made improvements, while Verstappen has been ever-present at the front of the grid.
Verstappen is hoping upgrades on his Red Bull Racing car this weekend will provide the boost he needs to try and claw back the deficit he has to both McLaren drivers.
“The team has been working hard to get these parts,” Verstappen said.
“Of course, I’m very happy that we have an upgrade here, and yeah, every little bit forward will help us be more competitive and hopefully close the gap a little bit.
“But at the same time, we also know that others are also bringing bits throughout the year.
“So, we just need to keep working hard, keep trying to close that gap down.”