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Lando Norris presented a resolute response to the complaints of his teammate Piastri after their contact at the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting that any racer who would avoid a comparable passing move ought not be in F1.

On-Track Clash Triggers Team Tensions

The race on the Marina Bay circuit was claimed by Russell, however was marked by the incident in the opening corners, where Norris challenged Oscar Piastri and collided with his teammate following he had touched the car of Max Verstappen ahead.

Any driver in Formula One would have done the very same thing that I did, therefore if you fault me for only taking the inside line of an opening then you do not deserve to race in F1,” he declared. It was completely fine with what I did.”

Title Fight Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a head-to-head contest to win the drivers’ world championship, with McLaren having secured the constructors' title in Singapore. Both drivers finished in third and fourth places, as Norris reduced the points gap to Piastri down to twenty-two points with six races left.

Piastri was angry at the time, stating that it was unjust for the team did not step in to have Lando give back the position because he argued he had barged Piastri off the line. However, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

“I misjudged somewhat the proximity I was near Max, however that happens in racing plus I would have come out ahead of Oscar regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside and the last thing I want to do was to collide with Oscar. With the [championship] position I'm in, I cannot afford such a move compared to him. Race officials thought it was fine and McLaren agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri commented he would reserve judgment till the team conducted a review. “I need to look more at the replays and in more detail and form my conclusion then,” he stated. This was lap one, pressure is intense so drivers are encouraged to express our perspectives regarding the clash. I expressed mine and we will discuss it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also stated McLaren would take under consideration their strategy to managing both drivers. We must place the situation in perspective. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of the moment. The details we have is merely his point of view. As usual we'll hold a constructive discussion, learn from it and come up stronger.”