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Lando Norris delivered a firm retort toward the criticisms from his teammate Piastri after their incident during the Singapore GP, asserting how any driver that would not attempt an identical passing move ought not compete in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Triggers Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit was won for Mercedes Russell, however was defined by the clash during the first corners, where Lando Norris challenged Oscar Piastri and collided with Piastri following Norris had clipped the Red Bull driven by Verstappen in front.

Any driver on the grid would have tried the very same thing that I did, so if you blame me for only going on the inside of an opening then you should not be in F1,” he declared. It was acceptable with what I did.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are in a head-to-head fight for the drivers’ world championship, after McLaren winning the constructors' title in Singapore. Both drivers finished in third and fourth places, as Norris narrowed the gap to his title rival down to 22 points with six races remaining.

Piastri was furious in the moment, stating it as unfair that the team did not step in to make Norris return the place because he argued he had forced him out of the way. Nonetheless, the stewards issued no penalty.

Norris's Defense

I underestimated a little bit the proximity I was near Verstappen, but that is racing and I would have finished in front of Oscar regardless,” stated Lando. I took the inside line so the last thing I wanted I want to do was to touch with my teammate. With the [championship] position I'm in, I cannot afford making contact compared to him. Race officials considered it okay and McLaren agreed.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri commented he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a review. I have to examine at the footage again and more closely and come to my judgment then,” he said. “It is the first lap, emotions are high so drivers are encouraged to express our views regarding the clash. I shared my view and we will discuss it in the future.”

Team Principal's Viewpoint

The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also stated the team would take under consideration their approach in dealing with both drivers. “We have to put everything into context. These are the remarks from a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of the moment. The data that is available is merely his perspective. As always we'll hold a good conversation, move forward and improve.”