The F1 championship is supposed to be reaching its thrilling final act this weekend in Abu Dhabi, but instead, a storm of controversy has taken over the paddock suddenly. All the supposed controversial talk is about McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and whether the young Australian feels supported inside his own team.
Fans, veterans, and reporters are starting to question whether McLaren is treating him fairly as the title battle reaches its final scene, as many expected both McLaren drivers to be given equal backing for the championship push. However, strategy calls and even body language around the papaya garage have left people wondering if there is more going on in the background.
Oscar Piastri’s Situation Heading Into the F1 Finale in Abu Dhabi
Piastri has become one of the brightest talents in modern F1 as his sharp pace, calm demeanor, and fearless attitude have made him a genuine championship threat in his third season, and at only 24, he has already shaken up the grid and proven that he belongs at the front.
Heading into Abu Dhabi, Piastri still has a mathematical chance at the world championship even though Max Verstappen sits ahead of him, being second in the standings and trailing leader Lando Norris by 12 points. Piastri is third and 16 points behind Norris, but his path to the title is slim, and he needs to win the race and hope that Norris finishes sixth or lower to win the title.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella told the media earlier in the week that both Piastri and Norris are free to fight for the title in the final race and insisted that fairness between drivers remains one of the core values of the team. It was said in a calm and confident tone, but it did little to stop the noise building around the current situation.
Strategy Blunder and Allegations of Bias Against McLaren
This controversy erupted after McLaren’s strategy mistake last weekend in Qatar cost Piastri a near-certain win. The Australian still finished second, but the decision clashed badly with the idea of equal treatment, and what happened next made headlines. Only two McLaren crew members stood with Piastri during his celebrations in parc ferme, and in contrast, dozens were there for the other podium finishers.
A veteran UK journalist called the situation the worst treatment he had ever witnessed towards a top driver and claimed that Piastri has been repeatedly undermined, “It is like he is fighting with one arm tied behind his back.”
And now, there is another explosive claim that added more fuel to the conversation. According to a report from CODE Sports, McLaren has reportedly blocked Piastri from giving separate interviews to Australian media ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale, saying he was “too busy” while still speaking with English outlets. The report suggested this decision has only increased internal frustration and suspicion among people close to Piastri.
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve also believes that Piastri might feel that the team does not want him to become champion and pointed to the frustration shown after Qatar, as well as the chaos around strategy, which was a huge blow to the driver’s confidence.
Fans online did not hold back when the recent story and tweet spread, as many were angry and believed Piastri deserved stronger support. A fan wrote, “I don’t get why Oscar keeps taking this shit. They aren’t going to let him win anyways, might as well call them out for their s**t.”
While another fan wrote, “They are worried that Oscar will get pressure from Aussies to stand up for himself and ignore team orders if they come, that is why McLaren doesn’t want him doing Aussie interviews.”
They are worried that Oscar will get pressure from Aussies to stand up for himself and ignore team orders if they come, that is why McLaren doesn’t want him doing Aussie interviews.
— Qwksivr (@Qwksivr) December 4, 2025
None of these claims has been answered publicly by McLaren yet, and everything at this stage remains noise from insiders and reporters, but the timing still makes it impossible to ignore.
Piastri has stayed professional throughout, and with one event left in the season, the entire focus now shifts to Abu Dhabi, where many would want to see Piastri dominate and prove all his doubters wrong.
