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Lando Norris delivered a firm reply toward the complaints of his teammate Piastri after their contact at the Singapore GP, declaring how any driver who would not attempt an identical overtake should not be in F1.

Race Incident Sparks Team Tensions

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit was claimed by George Russell, but was defined due to the incident during the opening corners, where Norris challenged Piastri then made contact with Piastri following Norris had touched the Red Bull driven by Max Verstappen ahead.

Any driver on the grid would have tried exactly the same move that I did, therefore if you fault me for just taking the inside line of a big gap then you should not compete in F1,” he declared. It was acceptable with my move.”

Title Fight Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a close fight to win the championship, with McLaren having secured the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair finished in third and fourth places, with Norris closed the gap on his title rival to twenty-two points and six meetings left.

Piastri was furious in the moment, decrying that it was unjust that the team did not step in to make Lando return the place since he argued he had barged Piastri out of the way. Nonetheless, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated somewhat the proximity I was to Max, however that is racing plus I would have come out in front of Oscar regardless,” stated Norris. I took the inside line so the last thing I want to do is to make contact with Oscar. Considering my standing I'm in, I cannot afford such a move as opposed to him. The FIA deemed it okay and the team did so too.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri said he wouldn't judge yet till McLaren held a meeting. I have to examine at the footage again and carefully and reach my own opinion then,” he stated. This was lap one, tensions are high so we're urged to share our views about the incident. I did that and it will be discussed in the future.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also maintained the team would review their strategy in dealing with both drivers. We must place everything in perspective. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of competition. The information we have is merely his opinion. As usual we'll hold a productive talk, learn from it and come up stronger.”