Norris Dismisses Oscar Piastri's Grievances Regarding Singapore Grand Prix Overtaking Move
The McLaren driver issued an uncompromising response toward the complaints of his teammate Piastri after their contact at the Singapore Grand Prix, stating how any driver who would not attempt an identical overtake ought not be in F1.
On-Track Clash Triggers Team Tensions
The race on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by George Russell, however was defined due to the incident during the first corners, where Lando Norris went after Oscar Piastri then made contact with his teammate after Norris had clipped the car of Max Verstappen in front.
Any driver in F1 would have attempted the very same move as I did, so if you criticize me for only going on the inside of an opening then you do not deserve to be in F1,” he declared. It was nothing wrong with my actions.”
Championship Battle Heats Up
The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a head-to-head battle to win the championship, after McLaren winning the constructors’ championship in Singapore. The pair ended up in third and fourth places, as Norris closed the gap on Piastri to 22 points with six meetings left.
The Australian driver was incensed in the moment, decrying that it was unjust that the team did not step in to make Lando give back the position because he felt Norris had pushed Piastri out of the way. Nonetheless, race officials did not intervene.
Norris's Defense
I underestimated a little bit how close I was near Max, but that is racing and I would have ended up in front of Piastri anyway,” said Lando. “I was on the inside and what I least wanted I intended to do is to make contact with my teammate. Given my title position I am in, I can't risk making contact as opposed to him. The FIA considered it fine and the team did so too.”
Piastri's Response
Oscar Piastri commented he would hold off judgment till the team held a meeting. I have to examine at the footage again and in more detail and come to my conclusion then,” he stated. This was lap one, emotions are high and we're urged to express our perspectives on what happened. I did that and we'll talk about it moving forward.”
Team Principal's Perspective
The McLaren team principal Stella also emphasized the team would review their approach to managing both drivers. We must place everything into context. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there’s the heat of competition. The data we have is only his perspective. As usual we'll hold a productive talk, build from there and improve.”
