Oscar Piastri rejects 'important' element in Lando Norris F1 title fight

Oscar Piastri has dismissed the notion that leading Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' standings has changed the dynamics at McLaren.

The pair are both vying for their first championships this year, but as the more experienced of the two, and runner-up last term, the Briton was expected to lead the charge.

Whilst Norris took victory in the season-opening round in Melbourne, Piastri has comfortably had the measure over his team-mate for much of the campaign thus far.

Through seven rounds, the Australian has triumphed four times, including a three-round streak, to Norris' sole win. It has left him 13 points clear atop the drivers' standings.

When asked how important that advantage is at this point of the schedule and how much it altered the dynamics within the team, Piastri refuted the premise of the question.

"I don’t think it changes very much to be honest," the six-time grand prix winner replied to media including RacingNews365.

"Obviously you want to have the edge at the end of the season - that’s where it’s most important."

Expanding on his answer, Piastri highlighted the advantages of his current position at McLaren, but reiterated his stance that it does not alter anything within the team's thinking.

"For me at the moment, the results have been a good confidence boost for myself, so that’s always important. If we have competition outside McLaren, there are benefits to being first - like with pit stops and strategy.

"If you’re ahead in anything, there are always advantages. But in terms of the mentality and feeling in the team, we’re still trying as hard as we can to beat all the other teams - and also each other.

"I think that’s going to remain the same for the rest of the year."