Lando Norris Dismisses Oscar Piastri's Grievances Regarding Singapore GP Overtaking Move

The McLaren driver presented an uncompromising reply to the criticisms from his fellow driver Oscar Piastri after their incident at the Singapore GP, declaring that any driver that wouldn't try an identical overtake ought not compete in F1.

Race Incident Ignites Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by George Russell, however was characterized by the contact in the initial turns, where Norris challenged Oscar Piastri then bumped with Piastri after Norris had clipped the car driven by Verstappen in front.

“Anyone in Formula One would have attempted a similar move that I did, therefore if you fault me for just taking the inside line of a big gap then you should not race in Formula One,” Norris stated. It was completely fine with what I did.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

Norris and Piastri are engaged in a head-to-head contest to win the championship, after the team claiming the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. Both drivers finished third and fourth, with Norris reduced the gap to his title rival down to 22 points and six meetings remaining.

Piastri was angry in the moment, decrying that it was unjust that the team did not step in to make Lando give back the position because he believed he had barged him out of the way. Nonetheless, the stewards did not intervene.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated a little bit the proximity I was near Max, however that is racing and I would have come out ahead of Oscar anyway,” stated Norris. I took the inside line and what I least wanted I intended to do is to make contact with Oscar. Considering my standing I'm in, I cannot afford making contact as opposed to him. Race officials thought it was fine and McLaren did so too.”

Piastri's Response

Piastri commented he would reserve judgment till the team held a meeting. I have to examine at the footage again and carefully and come to my conclusion after that,” he said. “It is lap one, pressure is intense and drivers are encouraged to voice our perspectives on what happened. I did that and we'll talk about it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Stella also maintained McLaren would review their method in dealing with their drivers. “We have to put the situation in perspective. These are the remarks of a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of the moment. The details that is available is just his point of view. As usual we will have a productive talk, move forward and emerge stronger.”