Piastri has 'exceeded expectations' as F1 rookie - Norris

Lando Norris believes McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri has exceeded expectations in his rookie F1 season.

The Australian joined the grid with enormous pressure following a stellar junior career that took in three successive championship victories that culminated in the F2 title.

Further weight was added to his shoulders by the contractual dispute between Piastri, McLaren and former employers Alpine, who had assisted Piastri's rise through the ranks, with the spotlight shone directly at him as he prepared for his step up into F1.

But any concerns over an underwhelming start to his career in the sport have been dismissed with a stunning first season in which Piastri has waited patiently for a car that will help promote his racing ability.

A lot of progress

Piatsri's performances have led to a new contract taking him to the end of 2026 with the Woking-based outfit - an extension immediately validated by a first podium of his career at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Reacting to the news of Piastri's extension, Norris told media including RacingNews365.com: "Congrats to him, I think any contract that allows you to be longer in Formula 1 is a great thing.

"He's performed, he's done everything he's needed to and probably exceeded most people's expectations from what he's been able to achieve already this season.

"He's pushed me a lot, he's done a really good job.

"So congrats to him for another few years, we've had a fun first half of the season and it's a lot of progress.

"For him to be part of that progress and to hopefully continue that into next year, ’25 and ‘26, for himself it is going to be something to look forward to."