A video that has quickly spread across social media shows what many are calling a deeply embarrassing scene for McLaren — and an insult to Oscar Piastri. Moments after Piastri crossed the line at the Qatar Grand Prix, the footage appears to show McLaren crew conspicuously absent from parc fermé — leaving the driver alone after a P2 finish. Some onlookers described the lack of support as “almost unforgivable.”
Piastri had dominated the weekend in Lusail. He claimed pole, won the sprint, and led most of the Grand Prix. But a controversial decision by McLaren not to pit their drivers when the Safety Car was deployed on lap 7 derailed his race — forcing him to pit twice under green flag conditions and handing the win to Max Verstappen. Piastri was left “speechless” and visibly frustrated.
As Piastri walked back toward the pits, cameras caught him tossing his gloves in anger and turning to look for his team — but only a handful of crew members responded. Normally a podium finish would bring a full crew out, but on this night the celebration seemed to belong to everyone but Piastri. The image‑broken silence was stark given how dominant his performance had been.
The clip has sparked outrage among fans and pundits, many accusing McLaren of bias, mismanagement or even a deliberate snub. The optics are especially damning given Piastri’s consistency and pace this season. Some are calling it a betrayal of trust.
It’s not just about the missed opportunity for a win — it’s about how a driver who delivered under pressure was left alone when he deserved a celebration. With the season finale looming, the moment threatens to amplify existing tensions inside the team and put a spotlight on McLaren’s internal dynamics.
