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The McLaren driver delivered a firm response to the complaints from his teammate Piastri following their incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, stating how any racer who wouldn't try a comparable passing move does not deserve to race in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Triggers Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit was claimed by George Russell, but was defined due to the contact in the initial turns, when Norris went after Oscar Piastri then bumped with his teammate following he had touched the Red Bull of Verstappen ahead.

“Anyone in F1 would have attempted exactly the same move as I did, therefore if you criticize me for just going on the inside of a big gap then you do not deserve to be in Formula One,” Norris stated. It was completely fine with my move.”

Title Fight Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a head-to-head battle for the world title, with McLaren claiming the constructors' title in Singapore. Both drivers ended up third and fourth, as Norris closed the points gap on his title rival to twenty-two points with six races remaining.

Piastri was furious in the moment, decrying that it was unjust that the team did not step in to have Norris return the place because he felt Norris had pushed him off the line. Nonetheless, race officials issued no penalty.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged a little bit the proximity I was to Max, but that is racing and I would have come out in front of Oscar regardless,” said Norris. I took the inside line so what I least wanted I intended to do was to collide with my teammate. Given my title position I'm in, I cannot afford making contact compared to him. Race officials deemed it acceptable and the team agreed.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri said he wouldn't judge yet till McLaren conducted a meeting. I have to examine more at the replays and carefully and reach my conclusion after that,” he stated. “It is the first lap, tensions are high and we are encouraged to share our perspectives about the incident. I shared my view and we'll talk about it going forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also stated the team would review their approach for handling both drivers. We must place everything into context. These are the remarks of a driver during an F1 race, there's the intensity of competition. The information we have is only his opinion. As always we will have a good conversation, build from there and come up stronger.”