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Lando Norris issued a firm response to the objections of his fellow driver Piastri following their clash at the Singapore GP, stating how any racer that would not attempt an identical overtake should not compete in F1.

On-Track Clash Sparks Team Tensions

The race on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by George Russell, but was characterized due to the incident during the first corners, where Lando Norris attacked Piastri then bumped with Piastri after he had clipped the Red Bull of Verstappen in front.

“Anyone in Formula One would have tried a similar move that I did, therefore if you criticize me for just going on the inside of a big gap then you do not deserve to be in F1,” he said. It was acceptable with what I did.”

Title Fight Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are in a close battle for the drivers’ world championship, after McLaren winning the constructors’ championship in Singapore. The pair finished third and fourth, with Norris closed the points gap to his title rival to 22 points and six meetings left.

Piastri was furious during the race, stating that it was unjust that the team would not intervene to make Norris give back the position because he argued Norris had pushed Piastri off the line. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Norris's Defense

I underestimated a little bit the proximity I was to Verstappen, however that happens in racing and I would have ended up ahead of Oscar regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside so what I least wanted I intended to do was to touch with my teammate. Considering my standing I'm in, I cannot afford such a move as opposed to him. Race officials deemed it okay and the team did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri commented he would hold off judgment till McLaren held a debriefing. “I need to look at the video and in more detail and come to my own opinion then,” he said. This was the first lap, pressure is intense and drivers are encouraged to express our views about the incident. I expressed mine and we will discuss it moving forward.”

McLaren Boss's Viewpoint

The McLaren team principal Stella also emphasized McLaren would evaluate their method in dealing with their drivers. “We have to put the situation into context. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there’s the heat of competition. The data that is available is only his opinion. As usual we'll hold a good conversation, build from there and emerge stronger.”