Oscar Piastri believes he and teammate Lando Norris are more than capable of handling the pressure of a championship battle — as long as it remains fair.
After a third of the 2025 season, McLaren leads both championships, with Piastri just three points ahead of Norris in the drivers' standings.
Max Verstappen, in third, is still very much in the hunt.
So far, McLaren has allowed both drivers to race freely under what's been dubbed the team's 'Papaya rules'.
"I think it's great of the team that we're both allowed to fight for race wins," Piastri told Bild newspaper in Barcelona.
Around the paddock, opinions differ on how the rivalry might play out. Some view the cooler, younger Piastri as the more composed long-term threat, while others point to Norris' raw speed but question his ability to handle title pressure.
Piastri, though, says both drivers are well-prepared for what's ahead.
"We both knew — Lando and I — that we could get into this position this year. We talked openly about it," said the 24-year-old Australian.
"We agreed not to do anything unsportsmanlike — that's not how we're wired. It would be bad for both of us and for the team if we were to ruin our long journey together at McLaren because of a world championship title.
"We must not cross a fair, sporting line."
Piastri, who is managed by former F1 driver Mark Webber, is believed to have strict driver equality clauses built into his McLaren contract — ensuring both he and Norris have equal standing within the team.
Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Piastri added: "Lando, Max, and I will fight for victory here."
