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The McLaren driver issued a firm response to the objections of his teammate Oscar Piastri following their clash during the Singapore Grand Prix, stating how any racer who wouldn't try a comparable overtake ought not be in F1.

On-Track Clash Ignites Team Tensions

The Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit was won by Russell, but was marked due to the clash during the opening corners, when Lando Norris challenged Piastri and collided with his teammate following he had nudged the Red Bull of Verstappen ahead.

Any driver in F1 would have attempted the very same thing as I did, so if you fault me for just taking the inside line of an opening then you do not deserve to be in Formula One,” he said. “There was acceptable with my move.”

Title Fight Intensifies

The two McLaren drivers are engaged in a close fight for the drivers’ world championship, with McLaren claiming the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. Both drivers ended up third and fourth, as Lando reduced the points gap on Piastri to twenty-two points and six rounds left.

The Australian driver was incensed in the moment, stating that it was wrong that the team would not intervene to make Lando return the place since he argued he had forced Piastri off the line. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Driver's Explanation

I underestimated slightly how close I was near Max, but that is racing and I would have come out in front of Piastri anyway,” stated Lando. “I was on the inside and the last thing I want to do is to make contact with my teammate. Considering my standing I'm in, I cannot afford to do that as opposed to him. The FIA thought it was okay and the team felt the same.”

Teammate's Reaction

Oscar Piastri commented he would reserve judgment until the team held a meeting. “I need to look at the video and carefully and form my own opinion then,” he said. “It is lap one, tensions are high so we're urged to express our opinions regarding the clash. I shared my view and it will be discussed going forward.”

Team Principal's Perspective

The McLaren team principal Stella also maintained McLaren would review their strategy in dealing with both drivers. We must place everything into context. It’s the comments from a driver during an F1 race, there’s the heat of competition. The data that is available is merely his point of view. As always we will have a productive talk, learn from it and come up stronger.”