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Lando Norris presented a resolute reply toward the complaints of his fellow driver Piastri after their clash at the Singapore GP, asserting that any racer who would avoid an identical passing move should not race in F1.

Race Incident Ignites Internal Conflict

The race at the Marina Bay street circuit was won for Mercedes George Russell, but was marked by the clash in the first corners, where Norris challenged Piastri and collided with Piastri following he had nudged the car of Verstappen in front.

“Anyone in Formula One would have done the very same thing as I did, therefore if you criticize me for simply going on the inside of a big gap then you should not be in F1,” Norris stated. “There was completely fine with my move.”

Title Fight Intensifies

Norris and Piastri are engaged in a head-to-head fight for the world title, after the team claiming the constructors’ championship at the Singapore GP. Both drivers finished third and fourth, as Norris narrowed the gap to his title rival down to twenty-two points with six rounds remaining.

The Australian driver was furious in the moment, claiming that it was wrong for the team would not intervene to make Norris return the place because he argued he had barged Piastri out of the way. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Driver's Explanation

“I misjudged a little bit the proximity I was to Verstappen, however that's part of racing plus I would have finished ahead of Oscar anyway,” said Lando. “I was on the inside and what I least wanted I intended to do was to collide with my teammate. Considering my standing I am in, I cannot afford making contact compared to him. Race officials thought it was acceptable and McLaren agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Piastri said he would reserve judgment until the team held a review. “I need to look more at the replays and in more detail and come to my judgment then,” he stated. This was lap one, tensions are high so we're urged to voice our perspectives on what happened. I expressed mine and it will be discussed moving forward.”

McLaren Boss's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also emphasized the team would take under consideration their method for handling their drivers. “We have to put everything into context. It’s the comments from a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of the moment. The data that is available is merely his point of view. As usual we'll hold a constructive discussion, move forward and emerge stronger.”