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Lando Norris issued an uncompromising retort toward the complaints from his teammate Piastri after their clash during the Singapore GP, asserting how any competitor who would not attempt a comparable overtake ought not be in Formula One.

Race Incident Triggers Internal Conflict

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit was won by Russell, however was marked by the contact in the first corners, where Lando Norris challenged Oscar Piastri then bumped with his teammate after Norris had nudged the car driven by Max Verstappen in front.

Any driver in F1 would have done a similar move that I did, therefore if you blame me for just taking the inside line of an opening then you do not deserve to be in F1,” he declared. “There was acceptable with what I did.”

Title Fight Heats Up

The two McLaren drivers are in a head-to-head battle to win the world title, with the team claiming the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair finished third and fourth, as Norris closed the gap on Piastri to twenty-two points with six races remaining.

The Australian driver was incensed during the race, claiming that it was unjust for the team did not step in to have Norris return the place because he argued he had barged him off the line. However, the stewards issued no penalty.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged slightly the proximity I was near Verstappen, however that's part of racing and I would have finished in front of Piastri anyway,” stated Norris. I took the inside line and the last thing I wanted I want to do was to collide with my teammate. Considering my standing I'm in, I can't risk making contact as opposed to him. The FIA deemed it acceptable and the team did so too.”

Teammate's Reaction

Piastri stated he would reserve judgment till the team held a debriefing. I have to examine at the video and in more detail and come to my own opinion then,” he said. “It is the first lap, pressure is intense so we're urged to share our opinions on what happened. I expressed mine and we'll talk about it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also stated McLaren would review their approach to managing their drivers. “We have to put the situation in perspective. These are the remarks of a driver in a Formula One car, there's the intensity of the moment. The information we have is just his perspective. As usual we will have a productive talk, move forward and improve.”