There’s been a recent statement from Oscar Piastri indicating he wants to leave McLaren due to being “sacrificed” for Lando Norris. However, Piastri did express frustration over a first-lap incident with Norris at the Singapore Grand Prix. Norris attempted to overtake Piastri, resulting in contact between the two cars, which Piastri deemed “unfair”. McLaren reviewed the incident but decided not to intervene, allowing Norris to maintain his position.
The incident occurred on the first lap of the Singapore Grand Prix when Norris tried to pass Piastri at Turn 2. Norris’ car made contact with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, causing him to slide into Piastri’s car. Piastri expressed his frustration over the team radio, questioning whether the team was “cool” with Norris’ aggressive maneuver. McLaren engineer Tom Stallard confirmed they would discuss the incident, but ultimately, no action was taken.
Piastri’s frustrations stem from previous incidents, including a team order at the Italian Grand Prix where he allowed Norris to pass after a slow pit stop. David Croft suggested Piastri is “starting to lose a bit of patience” with McLaren’s handling of the situation. Piastri expects “payback” for his selfless deeds, but it hasn’t materialized.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the importance of fairness and consistency in the team’s decision-making. Stella explained that the incident was a result of Norris’ attempt to avoid Verstappen’s car, which led to the contact with Piastri. The team will review the incident to determine the best course of action moving forward.
The incident has not affected McLaren’s constructors’ championship standings, as they secured the title after the Singapore Grand Prix. However, the drivers’ championship battle between Piastri and Norris is heating up, with Piastri holding a 22-point lead. The team’s ability to manage their internal dynamics will be crucial in determining the outcome of the championship.
