What should have been a night of pure joy for McLaren quickly turned into an unexpected talking point across social media, as fans began circulating clips and screenshots of Oscar Piastri appearing sidelined during Lando Norris’ world championship celebrations. While the moment was meant to honour Norris’ long-awaited crowning achievement, several awkward interactions — or lack of them — left viewers questioning how the team handled the spotlight.
As celebrations erupted in the paddock, fans noted how Piastri repeatedly found himself on the edge of group shots, drifting in and out of frame while the focus remained firmly on Norris. In one widely shared moment, McLaren staff rushed toward Norris for a congratulatory embrace, unintentionally brushing past Piastri, who stepped back to make room. The clip drew thousands of reactions online within hours, with many saying the scene looked more uncomfortable than festive.
Another moment that fuelled the discussion came during the podium ceremony. As Norris was handed the championship flag, Piastri approached with a congratulatory gesture, but the chaotic atmosphere meant he was barely acknowledged before cameras cut away. Fans later compared this with similar championship scenes in past years, calling this one of the most “awkwardly edited” and “poorly balanced” podium celebrations in recent memory.
Inside the garage, the contrast was even more striking. A video from the team’s private celebration showed Norris lifted onto the shoulders of mechanics while Piastri stood to the side, applauding but largely unnoticed. Some fans interpreted the moment as a sign of brewing tension; others pointed out that championship celebrations naturally centre the title-winner and that Piastri simply respected the occasion. Still, the optics were difficult to ignore.
What amplified the conversation further was Piastri’s expression in several photos circulating afterward. While he smiled in most of them, a few captured him looking distant or overshadowed, and those became instant lightning rods for commentary. Fans debated whether he felt excluded, embarrassed or simply exhausted after a draining race. But the narrative had already taken shape across social platforms: Piastri looked like the forgotten man in the biggest night of McLaren’s modern era.
Inside F1 circles, however, the interpretation is far more measured. Team insiders insist that Piastri offered nothing but support for Norris, and that the so-called “humiliating moments” were a result of fast-moving celebrations where not everything can be choreographed. They emphasised that both drivers have maintained mutual respect and that Piastri played a crucial role throughout the season, helping push McLaren into championship contention.
But in the world of Formula One, perception can often overshadow intention. A single facial expression, a missed handshake or an unnoticed gesture can fuel controversies far beyond what actually occurred. And in this case, fans analysing every frame turned a night of triumph into an unexpected debate about team dynamics.
Regardless of the interpretations, what remains undeniable is this: while Lando Norris celebrated the pinnacle of his career, the night also revealed the sensitivity and scrutiny that surrounds every driver on the grid. For Piastri, the images circulating online may not reflect the reality of his relationship with Norris or the team, but they have sparked a conversation that will linger well into the off-season.
