Lando Norris Dismisses Piastri's Grievances Regarding Singapore Grand Prix Overtaking Move
Lando Norris delivered an uncompromising response to the criticisms from his fellow driver Oscar Piastri following their clash at the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring that any racer who would avoid a comparable overtake should not compete in Formula One.
Race Incident Triggers Internal Conflict
The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit was won by Russell, however was defined by the contact during the first corners, where Lando Norris challenged Oscar Piastri and made contact with his teammate after he had nudged the Red Bull of Max Verstappen in front.
“Anyone in F1 would have attempted a similar thing as I did, so if you criticize me for only taking the inside line of a big gap then you should not race in F1,” he said. It was completely fine with my move.”
Title Fight Heats Up
The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a close fight to win the championship, after the team winning the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. The pair finished third and fourth, as Lando narrowed the points gap to Piastri down to 22 points and six rounds left.
The Australian driver was furious in the moment, stating that it was unjust for the team would not intervene to make Lando return the place because he argued he had forced Piastri out of the way. Nonetheless, the stewards did not intervene.
Norris's Defense
I underestimated somewhat how close I was to Verstappen, however that's part of racing plus I would have finished ahead of Piastri anyway,” said Lando. “I was on the inside so the last thing I wanted I intended to do was to collide with my teammate. With the [championship] position I am in, I cannot afford making contact as opposed to him. Race officials considered it fine and McLaren did so too.”
Teammate's Reaction
Oscar Piastri stated he wouldn't judge yet till the team held a review. I have to examine more at the replays and in more detail and come to my own opinion then,” he said. “It is the first lap, tensions are high so we are encouraged to express our perspectives on what happened. I expressed mine and it will be discussed moving forward.”
McLaren Boss's Perspective
McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also emphasized the team would evaluate their strategy in dealing with their drivers. We must place the situation into context. These are the remarks of a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of the race. The details we have is just his perspective. As usual we'll hold a good conversation, learn from it and emerge stronger.”