McLaren has reportedly made a solemn pledge to Oscar Piastri following the internal review into his first-lap clash with teammate Lando Norris at the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident, which unfolded as Norris attempted to avoid contact with Max Verstappen, saw the Brit collide with Piastri’s car, forcing a heated response from the Australian driver mid-race. Despite the controversy, McLaren refrained from issuing any immediate disciplinary measures during the event.
Piastri, visibly agitated, expressed his frustration over team radio, calling the move “unfair” and questioning why no corrective action was taken. Meanwhile, Norris defended his maneuver, arguing it was a natural racing instinct any driver on the grid would have executed. The tension between the McLaren pair reignited ongoing debates about internal favoritism and how the team manages its dual title contenders.
Team principal Andrea Stella later confirmed that McLaren would conduct a thorough review, ensuring both drivers could present their perspectives. According to journalist Diego Mejia, Stella privately assured Piastri that McLaren’s treatment of its drivers remains impartial, emphasizing that the team’s integrity and internal trust outweigh mere championship points. Stella stressed that precision and fairness would guide the investigation, reinforcing McLaren’s commitment to maintaining balance within the garage.
This latest controversy follows earlier tension at Monza, where Piastri reluctantly yielded his position back to Norris after a slow pit stop, a decision that sparked similar dissatisfaction. The Australian, currently leading Norris by 22 points with six rounds remaining, has maintained his composure publicly but is said to be monitoring McLaren’s decisions closely as the title fight intensifies.
With the championship entering its decisive phase, McLaren’s promise to uphold equality between its drivers could determine more than race outcomes—it could shape the trust and cohesion vital to the team’s long-term success. All eyes now turn to the upcoming races, where Piastri and Norris will again test both their limits and McLaren’s internal unity.
