Lando Norris points to McLaren 'downward spiral' danger in Oscar Piastri fight

Lando Norris has conceded to being wary of McLaren entering a “downward spiral” in his F1 title fight with Oscar Piastri.

Piastri currently leads the F1 standings ahead of Norris by 22 points.

The Australian's advantage was extended in Canada last time out as Norris was forced to retire after colliding with the rear of his team-mate's car late in the grand prix.

Whilst also chasing their maiden titles, they are driving McLaren towards back-to-back constructors' championships after accruing seven wins in the opening 10 races.

Speaking before their clash in Montreal, Norris hailed the strong working relationship the two share.

“I think we work very well as team-mates,” Norris told the media, including RacingNews365. “I think we’ve helped the team in a very good way.

“There have been plenty of examples of things not going as smoothly as they have done and teams then going on a downward spiral.

“That’s obviously what we want to avoid as a team, that’s our priority. But it’s hard to know.”

Norris - tougher momenst ahead

Norris conceded to being at fault for the clash in Montreal, which marked the first flashpoint between the British driver and Piastri.

The Briton acknowledged there would be “tougher moments” ahead as the title fight heats up later in the campaign.

“I’ve always got on with my team-mates, because that’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.

“Of course, it’s not even a question, I want to beat them, and I’ll do whatever I can to beat whoever I’m against, and that includes my team-mate.

“But it doesn’t mean that if someone says a joke, we can’t laugh at the same joke.

“We get on now, [but] there are going to be tougher moments. There’s no point trying to guess what they’re going to be.”