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The McLaren driver presented a firm response toward the criticisms of his fellow driver Oscar Piastri following their clash during the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting how any racer who wouldn't try a comparable overtake ought not race in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Triggers Internal Conflict

The race on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by Russell, but was marked due to the contact during the first corners, where Norris challenged Piastri then collided with his teammate following he had touched the car of Verstappen in front.

Any driver on the grid would have attempted the very same thing as I did, so if you blame me for just going on the inside of a big gap then you do not deserve to compete in F1,” Norris stated. “There was nothing wrong with my actions.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are in a head-to-head battle to win the drivers’ world championship, with the team claiming the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. Both drivers finished third and fourth, as Lando reduced the points gap to his title rival to 22 points and six races left.

Piastri was incensed during the race, stating that it was wrong that the team did not step in to have Lando return the place because he felt he had forced Piastri off the line. Nonetheless, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

“I misjudged slightly how close I was to Max, but that's part of racing plus I would have finished in front of Piastri regardless,” stated Lando. I took the inside line and the last thing I wanted I intended to do was to collide with Oscar. With the [championship] position I'm in, I can't risk making contact compared to him. Race officials considered it fine and McLaren agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri commented he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a debriefing. “I need to look at the footage again and carefully and form my own opinion after that,” he stated. This was the first lap, pressure is intense and drivers are encouraged to express our views regarding the clash. I did that and we'll talk about it going forward.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also stated McLaren would evaluate their strategy for handling both drivers. We must place the situation in perspective. It’s the comments from a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of competition. The information we have is just his point of view. As always we'll hold a productive talk, build from there and emerge stronger.”