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Lando Norris presented a resolute response to the criticisms of his teammate Piastri after their clash at the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring that any driver who would avoid an identical overtake does not deserve to be in Formula One.

Race Incident Ignites Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed for Mercedes Russell, however was defined by the contact during the opening corners, when Lando Norris challenged Piastri and made contact with Piastri following he had touched the Red Bull driven by Verstappen in front.

“Anyone on the grid would have attempted exactly the same move as I did, so if you criticize me for simply going on the inside of an opening then you should not compete in F1,” Norris stated. It was acceptable with my move.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are engaged in a direct fight to win the drivers’ world championship, with the team having secured the constructors' title in Singapore. The pair finished in third and fourth places, as Norris closed the points gap to his title rival to 22 points and six races remaining.

Piastri was angry at the time, claiming that it was wrong for the team did not step in to make Lando return the place because he argued he had forced Piastri off the line. However, the stewards issued no penalty.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged somewhat how close I was to Max, but that happens in racing and I would have finished ahead of Oscar regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside and what I least wanted I intended to do was to touch with Oscar. With the [championship] position I'm in, I cannot afford such a move as opposed to Piastri. The FIA deemed it acceptable and McLaren did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri said he would hold off judgment till McLaren held a meeting. “I need to look at the footage again and in more detail and reach my own opinion after that,” he stated. “It is the first lap, pressure is intense so we're urged to share our perspectives regarding the clash. I did that and we will discuss it in the future.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

McLaren's boss Stella also stated McLaren would evaluate their method in dealing with both drivers. We must place everything in perspective. These are the remarks of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of competition. The data we have is merely his opinion. As always we will have a constructive discussion, learn from it and improve.”