Ahead of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, all eyes are on the McLaren Racing Team as they gear up for one of the most glamorous and most anticipated races of the season. Leading the charge are drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, a duo whose fun-loving partnership—dubbed “Landoscar” by fans—blends humor with fierce determination to win. Lando, known for his charismatic personality and lightning-quick reflexes, has become a fan favorite both on and off the track. Oscar, the promising youngster with a razor-sharp focus and a penchant for adapting quickly under pressure, has already made his mark in his 2023 rookie season.
Together, they’re as dynamic in their racing as they are in their off-track antics, often sharing laughs while keeping their competitive edge sharp. Diving more into their unique bond and killer instincts, Hypebeast, with the help of McLaren and Mastercard, sat down with the pair for an exclusive “Get to Know” session, firing questions about their racing philosophies, pre-race rituals, and even a bit of mischief.
Whether bantering about pranks or expressing their love for the sport, Lando and Oscar exemplify McLaren’s spirit of passion and quest for victory.
If you could listen to only one EDM track on repeat for the entire race weekend, what song would it be, and who would get tired of it?
Lando:
There’s a Martin Garrix song but it’s unreleased. I’ll also listen to a song flat out, and then I’ll never listen to it again.
Oscar:
(After Lando points out he’s more of a Taylor Swift guy) No, I recon my song is by Sammy Virji just for this new song, actually, it’s called “Damager.”
If you could shoot a Hypebeast editorial with Oscar as your model, what would the vibe and setting be? Oscar, how do you rate Lando’s photography skills?
L:
I know, we’ll go to Australia, and I’ll put him with a load of dangerous animals. I’ll capture the emotion of his face, while being kicked by the kangaroo.
O:
It’s all about the memories and not so much the content. For me, 10 out of 10.
What’s the weirdest or funniest superstition or pre-race ritual you’ve seen the other do before any track?
L:
We’re not superstitious. Nothing will change. Nothing like underwear. We’re not allowed to wear underwear.
O:
Generally, we’re not superstitious.
Set up a cook-off: who would win out of the two of you, what would your signature dish be, and what would blow the judges away?
L:
I’ll just go with Oscar.
O:
I can cook a few things — chicken, salmon, pasta, pasta, although the Italian places down the road definitely do a better job than I do.
What’s the boldest outfit choice you’ve made off the track, and what were the fans’ reactions to it?
L:
I wore this traditional outfit (thobe) in Abu Dhabi.
O:
Probably when I went for a white t-shirt with a pocket instead of just the plain white t-shirt. That’s pretty much my fashion extent.
How does having a sponsor like Mastercard influence the culture and energy within the McLaren team? What are you looking forward to?
O:
It’s great for the team culture. They’re the best sponsors of sports events like baseball and tennis. We also enjoy sports events like golf days and other perks.
L:
We like their partnerships with golf for example. I played some events with Mastercard.
If you could bring any luxury fashion brand into Formula One to design the pit crew uniform, who would you pick and why?
L:
Loro Piana, I think I need the guys to be comfortable.
O:
Not too sure but Gucci or Louis Vuitton, probably.
The fans like the chemistry between the two of you. Who’s the bigger prankster on the team, and what’s the best prank you’ve pulled on each other?
O:
Lando is the bigger prankster. I’m not really a prankster myself but he stole my hangers once. I did post something of Lando wearing an Elvis wig one time.
L:
Took his hangers once because I had none. What’s he gonna hang, his white t-shirt?
