🔗 Share this article

Lando Norris delivered an uncompromising reply to the criticisms from his teammate Piastri after their contact during the Singapore GP, declaring that any driver that would avoid an identical passing move ought not race in F1.

On-Track Clash Ignites Internal Conflict

The race at the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed for Mercedes Russell, however was defined by the contact during the initial turns, where Norris went after Oscar Piastri and made contact with his teammate after Norris had clipped the car of Verstappen ahead.

Any driver in Formula One would have done the very same thing that I did, therefore if you blame me for only going on the inside of an opening you ought not race in Formula One,” he declared. “There was nothing wrong with my actions.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are in a close fight for the drivers’ world championship, after McLaren having secured the constructors’ championship in Singapore. Both drivers ended up third and fourth, with Norris narrowed the points gap on his title rival to 22 points with six meetings remaining.

The Australian driver was angry during the race, decrying that it was unjust for the team did not step in to have Norris give back the position because he felt he had barged him out of the way. Nonetheless, the stewards took no action.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged somewhat the proximity I was near Max, but that's part of racing and I would have finished ahead of Piastri anyway,” said Norris. “I was on the inside and what I least wanted I want to do was to touch with my teammate. With the [championship] position I am in, I can't risk such a move compared to him. Race officials deemed it okay and McLaren agreed.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri commented he would reserve judgment until McLaren held a review. “I need to look at the video and more closely and form my conclusion then,” he stated. This was the first lap, pressure is intense so we are encouraged to share our views on what happened. I shared my view and we will discuss it in the future.”

McLaren Boss's Viewpoint

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also stated McLaren would take under consideration their approach to managing both drivers. We must place the situation into context. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of competition. The information that is available is just his opinion. As always we'll hold a good conversation, learn from it and come up stronger.”