Oscar Piastri hands Lando Norris F1 title message after tense battle

Oscar Piastri has declared his team-mate Lando Norris is a “deserving champion” after the Briton prevailed in the title fight earlier this year.

Norris and Piastri were the two title protagonists for much of the season as McLaren enjoyed a strong stretch at the front of the grid.

However, in the second half of the campaign, Max Verstappen increased his threat and entered the season finale as a contender - but with a run to third place, Norris did enough to end the season as the champion.

Despite the pain of missing out on the title and watching his McLaren team celebrate Norris' triumph, Piastri did not spare praise for the Briton.

“I think a very deserving winner,” Piastri told media including RacingNews365 when asked for his thoughts on Norris' season. 

“I know that every weekend I go on track, it’s going to be tough. 

“And I think we’ve pushed each other through the last three years. I think especially this season has been tighter than ever.”

McLaren strived to maintain team harmony throughout the year despite the intra-team fight between Norris and Piastri.

Despite some tense moments during the year, Piastri conceded his team-mate was more than worthy to walk away with the crown.

“He’s had a great season,” Piastri stated. 

“Probably all three of us, but obviously, myself and Lando in the same team, in the same car, have had our ups and downs at different moments. 

“Ultimately, I think he’s had a good season and a deserving champion.”