Lando Norris Rebuffs Oscar Piastri's Complaints About Singapore Grand Prix Overtaking Move

The McLaren driver delivered an uncompromising retort toward the objections from his teammate Oscar Piastri after their incident during the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring how any racer that wouldn't try an identical overtake ought not race in Formula One.

Race Incident Ignites Team Tensions

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit was won by Russell, but was characterized due to the contact in the opening corners, where Norris went after Oscar Piastri and made contact with his teammate after he had nudged the Red Bull driven by Verstappen ahead.

Any driver on the grid would have attempted exactly the same move as I did, therefore if you criticize me for only taking the inside line of a big gap then you do not deserve to race in Formula One,” he declared. “There was completely fine with my actions.”

Title Fight Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are in a head-to-head fight for the drivers’ world championship, with McLaren winning the constructors' title in Singapore. Both drivers finished in third and fourth places, as Norris closed the gap to his title rival to twenty-two points with six rounds remaining.

The Australian driver was angry at the time, claiming that it was unjust that the team did not step in to make Lando return the place because he believed Norris had pushed him out of the way. However, race officials did not intervene.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated a little bit how close I was near Max, however that happens in racing plus I would have come out in front of Piastri regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside so the last thing I wanted I want to do was to touch with my teammate. Given my title position I'm in, I cannot afford making contact as opposed to him. Race officials deemed it acceptable and the team did so too.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri commented he would reserve judgment till McLaren conducted a meeting. I have to examine at the video and more closely and come to my conclusion after that,” he stated. “It is the first lap, emotions are high and we are encouraged to share our perspectives regarding the clash. I did that and we'll talk about it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Stella also emphasized McLaren would evaluate their approach in dealing with both drivers. We must place the situation into context. These are the remarks from a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of the race. The information we have is just his perspective. As usual we'll hold a productive talk, learn from it and improve.”