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Lando Norris presented a firm retort toward the complaints from his teammate Piastri following their clash during the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting how any racer who would not attempt an identical overtake should not race in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Triggers Team Tensions

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit was won by Russell, but was defined by the clash in the initial turns, when Norris attacked Piastri then made contact with Piastri following Norris had touched the car driven by Max Verstappen in front.

Any driver on the grid would have attempted a similar thing that I did, so if you fault me for simply taking the inside line of a big gap then you should not be in Formula One,” Norris stated. “There was acceptable with my actions.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a close battle to win the world title, after McLaren claiming the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair ended up third and fourth, with Norris closed the points gap to Piastri to 22 points and six races left.

The Australian driver was angry during the race, decrying that it was unjust that the team would not intervene to make Lando return the place because he felt he had forced him off the line. Nonetheless, race officials took no action.

Norris's Defense

I underestimated slightly how close I was to Max, but that happens in racing plus I would have finished in front of Piastri regardless,” said Lando. I took the inside line and the last thing I intended to do was to touch with Oscar. With the [championship] position I am in, I cannot afford such a move as opposed to Piastri. Race officials thought it was fine and the team agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Piastri said he wouldn't judge yet till the team conducted a meeting. I have to examine at the video and in more detail and form my judgment after that,” he stated. This was lap one, pressure is intense and we're urged to voice our perspectives about the incident. I shared my view and we'll talk about it in the future.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

McLaren's boss Stella also emphasized McLaren would review their approach to managing both drivers. We must place the situation into context. It’s the comments of a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of competition. The data that is available is just his perspective. As usual we will have a constructive discussion, learn from it and emerge stronger.”