Norris: I've simply gotten better at handling those situations.

      "You’re absolutely entitled to your own views."

      Lando Norris left Brazil with a significant 24-point advantage over teammate Oscar Piastri, yet his newfound superiority has done little to quell the discussions regarding alleged favoritism at McLaren - or the boos he continues to receive on the podium. "Just ignore all the negative comments directed at you!" Norris chuckled when asked how he found his rhythm so late in the season. However, behind the laughter, the 25-year-old confessed that the criticism has impacted him. "I care a lot about how people perceive me and how I'm represented," he mentioned. "I might have cared too much - even at the start of the year, I believe I was overly concerned, and it affected me adversely. I've just learned to manage those feelings better."

      The Brit, who has achieved back-to-back victories in the last two grands prix and also clinched the Interlagos sprint, continues to play down expectations - even forecasting challenges ahead in Las Vegas. "Definitely a hindrance," he remarked when asked about how the cooler conditions anticipated in Vegas would affect McLaren’s performance. "It was our worst race last year, so I’m not really looking forward to it." When confronted about being overly pessimistic, Norris bristled. "I can express my thoughts. I can have my own opinions. So why would I think, ‘Yeah, it’s going to be fine’? I’m sharing my honest view. You’re completely right to have your own perspective, but I’ll do what I prefer."

      While Norris is on a winning streak, Piastri’s championship aspirations have significantly diminished. Penalized for a collision with Kimi Antonelli that resulted in Charles Leclerc being taken out, the Australian defended his action: "It is what it is, but I wouldn’t alter my decision if I had another chance." Leclerc acknowledged that responsibility was shared, stating, "In my view, both had a part in it. Oscar was a bit too ambitious. Kimi drove as if Oscar wasn’t there. It was a 50-50 situation." Dutch analyst Tom Coronel sided with Piastri, telling Viaplay: "He’s contending for the championship, and this was his opportunity. He’s finally proving he’s not a pushover. He’s only receiving those ten seconds due to that rule."

      McLaren team principal Andrea Stella remained impartial but suggested that Piastri still grapples with handling the car. "To drive rapidly in these conditions, a technique similar to that used in Austin and Mexico was necessary. Oscar still must assimilate this technique," he remarked. "For Lando, responding to these conditions comes more instinctively." Even Alain Prost drew historical comparisons as the paddock continues to discuss alleged negative treatment toward Piastri at McLaren. "Since returning from the summer break, there’s been considerable talk about favoritism at McLaren," he stated to L’Equipe. "Such incidents have frequently occurred in Formula 1 history - and I have experienced this personally."

      Despite the discussions, Stella insists McLaren continues to support both drivers. "We shouldn’t dismiss him," he said regarding Piastri. "Lando is performing at an exceptionally high level - it’s not about a change from one weekend to the next, it’s about his personal development and race management. Lando is seeing the fruits of his labor and progress after a challenging start to the season."

      With three races remaining, Norris won't be able to clinch the title in Las Vegas - but by Qatar, the championship could potentially be within his grasp.