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The McLaren driver presented a firm retort to the objections of his fellow driver Piastri after their contact during the Singapore Grand Prix, stating how any racer that wouldn't try a similar passing move should not race in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Sparks Team Tensions

The race on the Marina Bay circuit was won for Mercedes Russell, but was marked by the clash during the first corners, when Lando Norris went after Oscar Piastri and made contact with Piastri following he had touched the Red Bull of Verstappen ahead.

Any driver on the grid would have tried the very same thing as I did, so if you criticize me for simply taking the inside line of an opening you ought not race in F1,” he said. It was completely fine with my move.”

Title Fight Heats Up

Norris and Piastri are in a head-to-head battle for the drivers’ world championship, after the team claiming the constructors' title in Singapore. Both drivers ended up third and fourth, with Norris closed the points gap on his title rival to 22 points with six races left.

Piastri was angry during the race, decrying that it was wrong for the team did not step in to have Norris give back the position since he believed he had barged him out of the way. However, race officials took no action.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged somewhat the proximity I was near Max, but that is racing plus I would have finished ahead of Oscar regardless,” said Norris. I took the inside line and the last thing I intended to do was to touch with Oscar. Given my title position I'm in, I cannot afford making contact compared to Piastri. Race officials thought it was okay and McLaren agreed.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri commented he wouldn't judge yet until the team conducted a meeting. I have to examine more at the replays and carefully and come to my judgment then,” he stated. “It is the first lap, pressure is intense and drivers are encouraged to share our opinions about the incident. I did that and it will be discussed in the future.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Stella also emphasized the team would evaluate their approach to managing both drivers. We must place everything in perspective. It’s the comments from a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of competition. The data we have is only his opinion. As usual we will have a constructive discussion, build from there and come up stronger.”