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The McLaren driver delivered an uncompromising retort to the complaints of his fellow driver Oscar Piastri following their incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring that any driver that would avoid an identical overtake does not deserve to be in Formula One.

Race Incident Sparks Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit was claimed by George Russell, but was defined by the incident in the opening corners, where Norris went after Piastri and bumped with Piastri following he had touched the car of Verstappen in front.

Any driver on the grid would have done the very same move that I did, therefore if you fault me for only going on the inside of a big gap you ought not be in Formula One,” he said. “There was acceptable with what I did.”

Title Fight Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a head-to-head contest for the drivers’ world championship, with the team winning the constructors' title in Singapore. The pair ended up third and fourth, as Norris closed the gap to his title rival to twenty-two points with six meetings remaining.

The Australian driver was furious at the time, claiming that it was unjust for the team would not intervene to make Lando return the place since he felt he had forced him out of the way. However, race officials issued no penalty.

Driver's Explanation

“I misjudged slightly the proximity I was near Verstappen, but that is racing plus I would have finished in front of Piastri regardless,” said Norris. “I was on the inside and the last thing I intended to do was to collide with my teammate. Given my title position I'm in, I can't risk to do that as opposed to Piastri. The FIA deemed it fine and McLaren agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri said he wouldn't judge yet till the team held a review. I have to examine at the footage again and more closely and reach my conclusion after that,” he stated. “It is the first lap, emotions are high and we're urged to express our perspectives on what happened. I did that and it will be discussed going forward.”

McLaren Boss's Viewpoint

The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also emphasized the team would review their strategy in dealing with their drivers. “We have to put everything in perspective. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of competition. The data we have is merely his point of view. As usual we'll hold a good conversation, build from there and improve.”