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The McLaren driver issued an uncompromising response toward the objections from his teammate Piastri following their contact during the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring that any racer that would not attempt a comparable overtake ought not be in F1.

On-Track Clash Ignites Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit was claimed by George Russell, but was defined due to the incident during the initial turns, where Lando Norris attacked Piastri then made contact with his teammate following he had clipped the Red Bull driven by Verstappen ahead.

“Anyone in F1 would have tried a similar move that I did, therefore if you blame me for just taking the inside line of a big gap then you do not deserve to race in Formula One,” he said. “There was completely fine with my move.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a direct fight for the championship, after McLaren claiming the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. Both drivers finished third and fourth, as Lando reduced the gap on his title rival to twenty-two points with six races remaining.

Piastri was incensed in the moment, claiming that it was wrong for the team would not intervene to make Norris give back the position because he believed he had barged him out of the way. However, race officials took no action.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated somewhat the proximity I was to Verstappen, however that is racing and I would have come out ahead of Piastri regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside so the last thing I wanted I intended to do is to make contact 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 did so too.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri said he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a review. I have to examine at the footage again and carefully and form my own opinion after that,” he stated. “It is the first lap, tensions are high and we're urged to express our perspectives about the incident. I shared my view and it will be discussed in the future.”

Team Principal's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Stella also maintained McLaren would take under consideration their strategy in dealing with both drivers. “We have to put the situation into context. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of the race. The information that is available is merely his perspective. As usual we will have a productive talk, build from there and emerge stronger.”