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The McLaren driver delivered an uncompromising response to the objections of his fellow driver Piastri following their contact during the Singapore GP, stating how any competitor that would avoid a similar overtake ought not race in F1.

Race Incident Ignites Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit was won for Mercedes George Russell, however was defined by the incident in the first corners, where Norris challenged Oscar Piastri and made contact with Piastri after Norris had clipped the car of Verstappen ahead.

“Anyone on the grid would have tried exactly the same thing as I did, so if you blame me for only going on the inside of an opening you ought not compete in Formula One,” Norris stated. “There was acceptable with what I did.”

Championship Battle Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a head-to-head battle for the world title, after the team claiming the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair finished third and fourth, with Norris reduced the gap on Piastri to 22 points and six rounds remaining.

Piastri was incensed in the moment, claiming it as unfair that the team did not step in to have Norris return the place since he believed Norris had pushed him off the line. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Norris's Defense

I underestimated a little bit how close I was near Verstappen, but that is racing and I would have finished ahead of Piastri regardless,” stated Norris. “I was on the inside and what I least wanted I intended to do is to make contact with Oscar. Considering my standing I'm in, I can't risk such a move as opposed to him. Race officials deemed it fine and the team did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri said he would hold off judgment until the team conducted a debriefing. I have to examine more at the replays and in more detail and form my conclusion then,” he said. “It is lap one, pressure is intense and we are encouraged to express our views on what happened. I did that and we'll talk about it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Viewpoint

The McLaren team principal Stella also stated the team would review their approach in dealing with both drivers. “We have to put the situation into context. It’s the comments of a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of competition. The details that is available is merely his point of view. As usual we will have a productive talk, move forward and come up stronger.”