Oscar Piastri has revealed that McLaren briefly explored the idea of him aiding teammate Lando Norris in the Formula 1 title fight — but the Australian made it clear the answer was “no.”

With two rounds remaining in the season, including Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s grand prix in Qatar, Norris holds a 24-point advantage over both Piastri and Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Verstappen has surged back into contention after trailing Piastri by 104 points at the end of August, aided by his victory in Las Vegas last weekend when both McLarens were disqualified.

When asked at the Lusail circuit whether the team had discussed Piastri supporting Norris’ championship push, the Australian didn’t hesitate. “We’ve had a very brief discussion on it, and the answer is no,” he said.

“I’m still level on points with Max and have a decent chance of winning the title myself if things fall my way. That’s how we’ll play it.”

Both McLaren drivers on seven wins

Piastri and Norris have each claimed seven victories this season, and McLaren have consistently maintained that the pair remain free to race for the championship. Despite the high stakes — and a dip in form from Piastri — the two drivers have managed to maintain a healthy working relationship, something rarely seen in such intense title battles.

Piastri, managed by former F1 driver Mark Webber, noted that unpredictable championship swings have happened before. Webber himself was part of a four-way title showdown in 2010, which ultimately saw Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel clinch the crown after entering the final race third in the standings.

“I know it’s not impossible,” Piastri said, acknowledging his slim but viable shot at becoming Australia’s first world champion since Alan Jones in 1980. “Of course, I know it’s a bit of a long shot.

“I can’t rely on having two perfect weekends — I need other things to go my way, and I’m very aware of that. All I can do is try to deliver the best results I can and see how it shakes out.”

Other teams still influential

While Ferrari and Mercedes are no longer in the drivers’ title fight, they remain key players in the constructors’ championship battle for second place behind McLaren. Their presence means additional pressure for all three title contenders.

“Regardless of the championship situation, everyone is out there trying to win races and score podiums,” Piastri said. “I don’t expect anyone to make life easy.”