Overview
- Oscar Piastri said McLaren removed the internal consequences placed on Lando Norris after a post‑Austin review and confirmed both drivers begin the Mexico weekend on a clean slate.
- Piastri accepted a degree of responsibility for the sprint collision at COTA, where contact with Nico Hülkenberg sent him into Norris and eliminated both McLaren cars.
- McLaren’s in‑house ‘papaya rules’ remain in effect, with Piastri reiterating the core directive for teammates is to avoid contact on track.
- The title picture has tightened: Piastri leads Norris by 14 points, with Max Verstappen 40 points behind after winning the Austin sprint and Grand Prix.
- Peers offered contrasting views on McLaren’s approach, with Carlos Sainz supporting firm team discipline and Pierre Gasly suggesting freer racing now that the Constructors’ title is secured.