McLaren CEO Zak Brown has explained why Oscar Piastri was instructed to “hold position” when closing in on Lando Norris at the Australian Grand Prix. After getting by Max Verstappen on Lap 17, Piastri reeled Norris in with a series of fastest laps.

We call Oscar Piastri the silent assassin, because his youthful looks and shy smile belie the inner steel and sheer determination of the soon-to-be 24 year-old as he goes into his third year in Formula One intent on becoming the third Australian world champion after the great Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.

McLaren announced a new “multi-year” contract extension with Piastri on Tuesday, days before the 2025 F1 season begins at his home race, the Australian Grand Prix. Piastri’s contract was due to run out at the end of the 2026 season, but now both he and Norris will be with the team through 2027.