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Lando Norris presented a resolute response to the criticisms from his fellow driver Oscar Piastri following their contact during the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring that any racer that would avoid an identical passing move should not compete in F1.

Race Incident Triggers Team Tensions

The race on the Marina Bay street circuit was won for Mercedes Russell, however was marked due to the contact in the first corners, where Norris attacked Piastri then collided with his teammate following he had nudged the car driven by Max Verstappen in front.

“Anyone in F1 would have done a similar thing as I did, therefore if you fault me for only going on the inside of an opening then you do not deserve to race in F1,” he said. “There was completely fine with my move.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are engaged in a close fight for the world title, with McLaren winning the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair ended up in third and fourth places, with Norris closed the points gap to Piastri to twenty-two points and six races left.

The Australian driver was incensed at the time, stating that it was wrong for the team did not step in to have Lando return the place since he argued he had forced Piastri off the line. However, race officials took no action.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged a little bit how close I was to Max, however that happens in racing plus I would have come out ahead of Oscar anyway,” stated Lando. I took the inside line and the last thing I wanted I intended to do was to touch with Oscar. With the [championship] position I am in, I cannot afford to do that compared to him. Race officials thought it was fine and McLaren did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri said he wouldn't judge yet till McLaren held a debriefing. “I need to look at the footage again and more closely and come to my judgment then,” he said. This was the first lap, tensions are high and we're urged to voice our perspectives about the incident. I shared my view and we'll talk about it going forward.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Stella also stated McLaren would review their strategy for handling both drivers. “We have to put the situation into context. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of competition. The data we have is just his perspective. As usual we will have a productive talk, move forward and improve.”