As news of McLaren's issues hit parliament, reports have exposed the team's 'unquestionable bias'
Oscar Piastri and his title fight in Formula 1 has reached Australian Parliament.
Although the 24-year-old admitted it was "pretty cool" to see his name mentioned in such a lofty forum, unsettling reports of the treatment of the Australian driver calls for concern in the McLaren stable.
An in-depth report by CODE Sports highlighted that the ongoing situation between McLaren and Piastri was not repairing itself, rather "bordering on toxic".
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The report claims that Piastri has now been banned from holding individual interviews with Australian media before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with CODE stating the team feels he is "too busy", although the excuse seems flimsy at best.
Reports have accused McLaren of the 'worst' bias against Oscar Piastri. Getty
That explanation comes despite still allowing Piastri to speak to the English press who have exclusive meet and greets with Lando Norris prior to every race.
A number of journalists and McLaren team insiders spoke anonymously about the situation and all were united in condemning the treatment of the young Aussie.
One was quoted as saying: "It's disgusting to see what's happening. It's like he's fighting with one arm tied behind his back.
"He's constantly being undermined by the team. The bias against Piastri is unquestionable."
One long-standing reporter consulted also said the alleged treatment from Piastri is "the worst" he has seen towards a top driver - with McLaren insiders claiming he has been undermined and the victim of bias against him throughout the campaign.
A pitiful team representation when Piastri celebrated his second place in Qatar only added fuel to the fire as he admitted he was "speechless" over the team radio after they blew his shot at a victory that would have drawn Piastri much closer to his title rivals.
Parliament speaks on McLaren infighting
As Piastri's misfortune reached the floors of the Australian Parliament, local politicians suggested that the papaya team is "biased against Oscar Piastri and costing him the world championship."
Another added that Piastri "definitely" has "copped some raw decisions this year."
"I did see it reach Parliament. That's quite impressive," Piastri said when asked about the discussion at Thursday's press conference.
"I think the support from back home has been really special. I obviously don't see a huge amount of it.
Oscar Piastri believes the championship is out of his hands. LAT Images
"I've not been back to Australia since the grand prix [in Melbourne in March], but I think the fact that Formula 1 and my name – regardless of why – was in Parliament in Australia is pretty cool in some ways.
"A pretty cool thing and I guess it signifies the magnitude of the support and the following that we've had back home.
"So that's very, very cool to see and I'll try my best to bring it home for everyone."
As the chequered flag falls on the 2025 season, McLaren's infighting will cast a shadow on an otherwise fantastic year for the team if neither driver picks up the championship.
As 16 points separate the top three with one weekend left, McLaren may be forced to finally make a choice to favour a driver to hold off Red Bull's charging Max Verstappen, something the team has vehemently denied doing all season.
And with Norris the top driver from recent weekends, most believe that Piastri will end up becoming the sacrificial lamb.
