As the 2023 Formula 1 season unfolds, the battle for supremacy at McLaren rages on. Oscar Piastri versus Lando Norris. The McLaren rookie versus the McLaren golden boy. Since joining F1 this year, Piastri has been right up there with Norris every chance he’s got. The battle between the Papayas has been one of the most closely contested this season, and Piastri might finally have an advantage over his experienced teammate.

For Round 15 of the season, F1 heads to the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore, a street circuit that’s a favorite among the drivers. This weekend will be the first time Piastri will navigate the twists and turns of the circuit. Compared to Norris’ three previous outings, that should put Piastri at an even bigger disadvantage. But someone in the Piastri camp has equipped the Aussie for what’s coming.

Oscar Piastri is ready to light up the streets of Singapore

The Singapore GP is the most grueling race on the calendar. A 23-corner, 5km circuit, it’s like the tougher version of Monaco. With the twisty layout plus the humidity, drivers lose up to 3kg just during the race. It’s a physical and mental battle for drivers, not just with others, but also with their own bodies. This being Piastri’s first time here, he revealed how he got himself ready for the challenge. He told Speedcafe, “Having Mark [Webber] in my corner is very helpful.”

Former F1 driver Mark Webber became Piastri’s manager in 2020. Since then, the Aussie veteran has helped the young gun in every aspect of his racing career. “Obviously, he’s very big on fitness and that side of things. He’s also got a lot of experience here, so he’s been preparing me both mentally and physically for this race. We’ve done quite a bit of work, specifically around the temperature here,” continued Piastri. Since the Singapore GP’s introduction in 2008, Webber has raced here six times. Whatever he learned in those outings, he’s imparted to Piastri. 

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Considering Norris has raced in Marina Bay only twice, that gives Piastri a four-year advantage. Even though Norris has the track experience, Piastri will try to incorporate all Webber taught him during the weekend. The rookie concluded, “It’s been nice to have Mark in my corner for that specific aspect, as well as everything else he does.” Meanwhile, Piastri recently opened up about how Webber helped him get acclimatized to F1.

Mark Webber gets the best out of Oscar Piastri

Jumping into F1 is a big step. Yes, the feeder categories are good stepping stones, but nothing compares to what it really is like in F1. Especially when a driver steps into an F1 car after a 15-month break. That’s what happened with Piastri. Despite that break, Piastri stepped up to the challenge and has given Norris a run for his money. Mark Webber—who believes Norris is top drawer—is partly responsible for how well the young Aussie has been doing.

In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Piastri said, “I think it was good that [Webber] reminded me [what F1 is like] before the season. So I wasn’t shocked when I got here. That was probably the most important thing. He’s also very helpful with little driver tips here and there and sometimes asks questions for the engineers that I can’t even think of right now. So he’s still very perceptive, thinks like a racer, and always tries to get the best out of me.”

Watch This Story: How Oscar Piastri Has Made a Scintillating Rise to the Pinnacle of Motorsport 

When the lights go out in Singapore this weekend, who will have the upper hand at McLaren? Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris?