Norris Dismisses 'Aggressive' Claims Regarding Piastri Incident at Singapore GP Start
McLaren driver Lando Norris has rejected claims that his maneuver involving teammate Oscar Piastri during the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix was overly aggressive. The incident, where their cars made contact, sparked immediate complaints from Piastri. Despite this, Norris insists his actions were typical of a racing scenario and would have been replicated by any competitor on the grid, highlighting the commonality of such moves under race conditions.
During the post-race media session, Norris initially struggled to recall the specific details of the first lap but quickly elaborated on his perspective. He explained that a strong start from the favored right side of the grid allowed him to gain positions, creating an opportunity to challenge on the inside of Piastri. Norris described the moment as extremely close, noting the track's damp and drying surface as a contributing factor. He attributed a slight correction in his car's trajectory to minor contact with Max Verstappen's vehicle, which then led to the collision with his teammate.
Norris emphasized the strategic importance of his assertive driving. He argued that if he hadn't seized the opportunity to gain positions early in the race, particularly given the circuit's reputation for difficult overtaking, he likely would not have been able to progress later on. He believes his "forward-thinking" and decisiveness ultimately paid off, even if it resulted in a contentious moment with his teammate.
The contact caused visible damage to Norris's front wing, with the left endplate remaining bent for the duration of the race. Stewards, however, deemed it a typical first-lap racing incident, concluding that no single driver was entirely or primarily at fault. This decision underscores the often-lenient approach taken towards incidents that occur in the chaotic opening stages of a race.
However, the internal dynamics at McLaren are likely to be more complex. Although the team's precise "papaya rules" governing driver conduct are not public, it is widely assumed that avoiding contact with a teammate is a high priority. Piastri's immediate and vocal frustration, particularly from his limited cockpit view, indicates his strong perception of the incident. It remains to be seen whether a thorough review of all available footage will alter his viewpoint or the team's internal assessment.
Norris's defense of his actions echoed a famous quote from Ayrton Senna: "If you no longer go for a gap, you are no longer a racing driver." Norris maintained that putting his car into a clear space was a natural instinct for any top-tier competitor. He acknowledged a slight misjudgment of his proximity to Verstappen but asserted that no serious consequences resulted from the contact. He also speculated that he would have finished ahead of Piastri regardless, due to having the inside line and Piastri being forced onto a less favorable part of the track.
The incident, characterized by some as clumsy and driven by desperation rather than malicious intent, presents a fresh challenge for team principal Andrea Stella in managing the team's internal harmony. The immediate aftermath saw Piastri reportedly disconnect his radio just as McLaren CEO Zak Brown attempted to communicate with him, signaling a potential escalation of tensions within the team. While McLaren might not be in a state of crisis, the friction between its drivers is a notable development.