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Lando Norris delivered an uncompromising reply toward the complaints of his teammate Piastri following their contact at the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting that any driver that would not attempt an identical passing move should not race in Formula One.

Race Incident Triggers Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit was won by George Russell, however was defined due to the incident during the first corners, where Lando Norris challenged Oscar Piastri then bumped with his teammate following Norris had clipped the car of Verstappen in front.

Any driver in Formula One would have attempted exactly the same thing as I did, so if you criticize me for just going on the inside of an opening then you should not race in F1,” Norris stated. It was nothing wrong with my move.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are in a close contest for the world title, after McLaren having secured the constructors’ championship in Singapore. Both drivers finished third and fourth, as Lando reduced the gap on his title rival down to twenty-two points and six races remaining.

Piastri was furious in the moment, decrying that it was wrong for the team would not intervene to make Lando give back the position because he felt he had forced him out of the way. Nonetheless, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated somewhat the proximity I was to Max, but that is racing and I would have finished ahead of Oscar regardless,” said Lando. “I was on the inside so the last thing I intended to do is to make contact with my teammate. Given my title position I am in, I can't risk to do that compared to him. Race officials deemed it okay and McLaren agreed.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri commented he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a meeting. “I need to look more at the replays and carefully and form my own opinion then,” he said. This was the first lap, pressure is intense so drivers are encouraged to express our perspectives regarding the clash. I did that and we'll talk about it going forward.”

Team Principal's Viewpoint

The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also maintained the team would evaluate their strategy for handling their drivers. We must place the situation in perspective. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of the moment. The data that is available is just his opinion. As always we'll hold a constructive discussion, learn from it and improve.”