McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has promised a “detailed” and “very analytical” review of the incident involving Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the Singapore Grand Prix. The review aims to ensure that both drivers are treated fairly and that the team’s principles of fairness and sportsmanship are upheld. The incident occurred on the first lap of the race when Norris attempted to overtake Piastri, resulting in contact between the two cars.
The incident happened when Norris tried to pass Piastri at Turn 2, but in doing so, he clipped Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, causing him to slide into Piastri’s car. Piastri was furious over the team radio, calling the situation “unfair” and questioning why no corrective action was taken. Despite the incident, Norris managed to finish third, while Piastri came in fourth, reducing Piastri’s lead to 22 points with six races remaining.
Stella emphasized the importance of accuracy and fairness in the review process, stating that the team’s integrity and internal trust are at stake. “We need to retain a higher degree of sophistication and detail because there are so many elements that you need to take into account,” Stella said. “We need to make sure that we don’t become too quick in drawing conclusions, we need to be accurate because there’s a lot at stake.” The review will take into account the perspectives of both drivers and aim to form a common opinion on the incident.
Piastri has expressed concerns about the fairness of the team’s decision-making, citing previous incidents where he felt disadvantaged. Stella acknowledged Piastri’s frustrations and emphasized the importance of trust between the drivers and the team. “It’s not only the championship points but it’s also the trust of our drivers in the way we operate as a team, and this is, if anything, even more foundational than the points themselves,” Stella said.
The review is expected to be a priority for McLaren in the coming weeks, with the team looking to resolve any issues and ensure that both drivers are on an equal footing as the championship battle intensifies. With six races remaining, Piastri and Norris will be battling it out for the top spot, and McLaren’s ability to manage their internal dynamics will be crucial in determining the outcome of the championship.
