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The McLaren driver presented a resolute retort toward the criticisms of his fellow driver Piastri following their incident at the Singapore GP, asserting how any racer who wouldn't try a similar overtake should not race in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Ignites Team Tensions

The Grand Prix on the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by George Russell, however was marked due to the contact in the initial turns, where Norris went after Piastri then made contact with his teammate following he had clipped the car of Max Verstappen ahead.

Any driver on the grid would have tried a similar thing that I did, therefore if you blame me for simply taking the inside line of a big gap you ought not compete in F1,” Norris stated. “There was nothing wrong with my move.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are in a head-to-head fight to win the drivers’ world championship, after the team winning the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair finished third and fourth, with Norris narrowed the gap on Piastri to 22 points and six rounds left.

The Australian driver was furious in the moment, claiming it as unfair that the team did not step in to make Norris return the place because he argued Norris had pushed him off the line. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged somewhat the proximity I was near Verstappen, however that's part of racing and I would have finished ahead of Piastri anyway,” said Norris. “I was on the inside so what I least wanted I intended to do is to make contact with Oscar. With the [championship] position I am in, I can't risk making contact as opposed to Piastri. The FIA considered it fine and the team agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri said he would reserve judgment until the team conducted a meeting. “I need to look more at the replays and carefully and reach my judgment after that,” he stated. This was the first lap, tensions are high and we are encouraged to voice our perspectives on what happened. I shared my view and it will be discussed moving forward.”

McLaren Boss's Viewpoint

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also emphasized McLaren would review their strategy for handling their drivers. We must place the situation in perspective. It’s the comments of a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of the race. The details we have is merely his point of view. As usual we'll hold a good conversation, move forward and come up stronger.”