URGENT UPDATE: Tensions erupted at the Singapore Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri accused teammate Lando Norris of “unfair” driving during a dramatic race that saw McLaren crowned F1 constructors’ champions. The incident, which took place on the opening lap, overshadowed the team’s historic back-to-back titles.
Just hours ago, George Russell of Mercedes clinched victory from pole position, with Max Verstappen finishing second. Norris secured third place, but the day was marred by a collision with Piastri, who was visibly upset in the aftermath.
Piastri started in third position, ahead of Norris, but was involved in a controversial clash when Norris attempted to overtake him at the third corner. The Australian was pushed towards the barriers, leading to his furious radio messages. Piastri demanded, “So are we cool about Lando just barging me out of the way, or what’s the go there?”
Despite his protests, McLaren sided with Norris, and the stewards merely noted the incident, leading Piastri to express his frustration over the radio, declaring, “That’s not fair, that’s not fair.” The young driver felt he should have been given the position back, stating, “If he has to avoid another car by crashing into his teammate, then that’s a pretty shit job of avoiding.”
The tension escalated further when a slow pit stop of 5.2 seconds hampered Piastri’s chances of catching Norris, leaving him just seconds behind at the finish line. Piastri now trails Norris by 22 points with only six races remaining in the season.
As the dust settles, Piastri’s frustration highlights a critical moment for the team as they navigate internal conflict while celebrating their championship success. “Not the race I was looking for, but for the whole team, tonight is a combination of a lot of hard work over not just this year, but lots of years,” he later reflected, trying to maintain a united front.
However, Piastri made it clear that the issue is far from resolved, stating, “We’re obviously encouraged to share our views on what happened, and I did that, and I’m sure we’ll discuss it more.” When asked about team principal Zak Brown‘s assessment of the incident, Piastri acknowledged, “Yes, I think we do. I don’t think there was any intention of contact – but there was. I need to look at the replay.”
In the meantime, Russell celebrated his ninth career win, finishing 5.43 seconds ahead of Verstappen, while teammate Kimi Antonelli crossed the line in fifth. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced mechanical issues that affected his finish, raising concerns for the legendary driver.
This unfolding drama within McLaren not only impacts their drivers but also sets the stage for an exciting final stretch of the Formula 1 season. Fans are eagerly watching how this rivalry will evolve in the upcoming races.
