Incident Between Piastri and Norris in Singapore: A Shadow Over McLaren’s Constructors’ Title?

Controversy at McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri clash while the team celebrates the Constructors’ Championship.

First-Lap Collision

The Singapore Grand Prix was marked by an incident between McLaren teammates, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Australian questioned his team over the radio after their wheels touched on the first lap, asking if they agreed with “Lando simply moving me out of the way.” Norris defended his move: “Everyone on the grid would have done exactly what I did. It was good racing.”

McLaren Secures the Constructors’ Title

Despite the internal tension, McLaren celebrated one of the most important achievements in its recent history: the Constructors’ Championship. With 650 points, the team doubles Mercedes’ tally and consolidates its position as the leader in Formula 1. However, managing the rivalry between Norris and Piastri remains a challenge that the team cannot ignore.

Defending the Overtake

Norris explained that the maneuver was risky but justified. “It was slippery, still wet in many areas, but I went for the inside. I made a small correction, but nothing more.” He also stated that contact with Piastri only occurred after a previous touch with Max Verstappen. McLaren’s interpretation was to let both drivers “race,” without direct intervention, which sparked debate.

Piastri Questions Team Strategy

The Australian did not hide his frustration: “That’s not fair,” he said over the radio, questioning Norris’ driving and the team’s management. McLaren had intervened in previous incidents under its so-called “papaya rules,” but in Singapore, they chose not to mediate. The tension between the two young talents threatens to overshadow the celebration of the championship.

Performance and the Road Ahead

Although McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship with six races remaining, Norris and Piastri’s performance against Verstappen has been uneven. The team has not won in three consecutive races and will need to balance competitiveness and internal management to maintain their advantage for the rest of the season. The rivalry between the pair is set to remain a key topic in the paddock.