A tense moment unfolded between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris following the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Norris attempted to overtake Piastri at Turn 2 on the first lap, resulting in contact between the two cars. Norris’s maneuver also led to a collision with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, causing damage to his car. Despite the incident, Norris managed to finish third, while Piastri crossed the line fourth.
In a statement, Piastri expressed his frustration with the situation, emphasizing that Norris’s actions were not in line with their team’s racing principles. “Anyone on the grid would have done exactly the same thing as I did,” Piastri said, defending his driving style. He also questioned the team’s decision not to take action against Norris during the race, stating, “Mate, that’s not fair.” Piastri’s comments suggest that he feels Norris got preferential treatment from the team.
Norris, on the other hand, acknowledged that the incident was a racing incident and took responsibility for his part in the collision. He mentioned that the track was slippery in places, which might have contributed to the incident. Norris also praised Piastri’s driving skills, stating that he had to make a tough move to get past his teammate.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has emphasized the importance of fairness and consistency in the team’s decision-making. Stella noted that Norris immediately owned up to his mistake and apologized to the team, which “reset the situation.” The team’s approach to managing the internal rivalry between Piastri and Norris will be crucial in determining the outcome of the championship.
The incident has significant implications for the championship battle between Piastri and Norris. With seven races remaining, Piastri holds a 22-point lead over Norris. The team’s ability to manage their internal dynamics and ensure a level playing field will be crucial in determining the champion. Piastri’s statement suggests that he is focused on the championship and expects the team to support him in his pursuit of the title.
