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The McLaren driver presented an uncompromising reply toward the objections from his fellow driver Oscar Piastri following their incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, declaring how any racer who wouldn't try a similar passing move should not be in F1.

On-Track Clash Sparks Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit was won for Mercedes George Russell, however was marked due to the clash in the initial turns, when Norris went after Piastri then collided with Piastri following Norris had nudged the Red Bull driven by Verstappen in front.

Any driver in F1 would have tried a similar thing that I did, therefore if you fault me for simply going on the inside of a big gap you ought not race in F1,” he declared. It was nothing wrong with my actions.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a direct contest for the drivers’ world championship, after McLaren claiming the constructors’ championship in Singapore. Both drivers finished in third and fourth places, with Lando reduced the points gap on Piastri to twenty-two points with six rounds left.

Piastri was incensed at the time, claiming that it was unjust that the team would not intervene to make Norris return the place because he believed Norris had pushed Piastri off the line. Nonetheless, the stewards took no action.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged a little bit how close I was near Max, however that happens in racing plus I would have finished in front of Piastri regardless,” stated Lando. I took the inside line so what I least wanted I want to do is to make contact with my teammate. With the [championship] position I am in, I can't risk making contact compared to him. The FIA considered it fine and the team felt the same.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri commented he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a debriefing. I have to examine at the footage again and carefully and come to my judgment then,” he said. This was the first lap, tensions are high so we are encouraged to share our views on what happened. I expressed mine and we'll talk about it in the future.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also maintained the team would evaluate their strategy for handling their drivers. We must place everything into context. It’s the comments of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of the moment. The information we have is just his point of view. As usual we will have a constructive discussion, build from there and improve.”