Norris Dismisses Oscar Piastri's Grievances Regarding Singapore Grand Prix Passing Attempt

Lando Norris presented a firm retort to the objections of his fellow driver Oscar Piastri after their clash at the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting how any racer who would not attempt a similar overtake should not be in F1.

Race Incident Sparks Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit was won for Mercedes George Russell, but was marked by the contact in the first corners, where Norris attacked Piastri and bumped with Piastri after he had clipped the Red Bull driven by Max Verstappen ahead.

“Anyone in Formula One would have done the very same move that I did, so if you blame me for simply going on the inside of an opening then you should not be in F1,” he said. It was acceptable with my move.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a direct fight to win the drivers’ world championship, with the team winning the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. Both drivers ended up in third and fourth places, as Lando narrowed the points gap on his title rival down to 22 points with six meetings remaining.

Piastri was incensed in the moment, stating it as unfair 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. However, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated a little bit the proximity I was to Verstappen, but that is racing plus I would have finished in front of Oscar regardless,” said Lando. “I was on the inside so what I least wanted I want to do was to collide with Oscar. With the [championship] position I am in, I cannot afford to do that as opposed to Piastri. The FIA considered it acceptable and the team did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri stated he would reserve judgment till McLaren held a review. “I need to look at the footage again and carefully and reach my judgment then,” he said. This was lap one, tensions are high so we're urged to voice our opinions on what happened. I expressed mine and we will discuss it going forward.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also maintained McLaren would evaluate their strategy to managing both drivers. “We have to put the situation into context. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of competition. The data we have is only his point of view. As usual we'll hold a good conversation, build from there and improve.”