Lando Norris has insisted that Oscar Piastri does not “owe me one” despite playing a role in his McLaren team-mate’s victory at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. And he confirmed that his contribution in holding up Sergio Perez in Baku did not fall under McLaren‘s so-called ‘papaya rules’ system.

Charles Leclerc took pole and led the first half of the race in Azerbaijan, while Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr won in Singapore last year. Both the Baku circuit and the Marina Bay layout suit Ferrari’s car best but McLaren have proven they have the pace to win on tracks which are far from tailor-made for the MCL38.

McLaren is set to favor Lando Norris over teammate Oscar Piastri in the final eight races of the Formula 1 season after Norris’ title chances were dented by losing the lead to Piastri at the previous race in Italy.