Source: Official Team Post via X
McLaren's Lando Norris Unrepentant After Collision with Oscar Piastri in Singapore
Lando Norris remains unapologetic following a last-lap clash with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri during the Singapore GP sprint race. The incident cost McLaren valuable points, with both drivers set to face the FIA stewards.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Singapore Grand Prix sprint race, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri found themselves at the center of attention after a late-race collision. The incident, which unfolded at Turn 5 on the final lap, saw Norris attempt an ambitious move that resulted in both McLaren cars tangling, leaving Piastri out of the race and Norris limping home in eighth. This mishap cost McLaren valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship, where they are aiming to climb higher than fourth place.
When asked about the incident, Norris was tight-lipped about accepting blame. "I’d rather just go back and review it," he remarked, keeping his cards close to his chest. Pressed further, he defended his decision to attempt the overtake, stating, "Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone for it." Despite the mishap, he offered a brief apology to the team for the situation.
Piastri, on the other hand, seemed puzzled by the risk Norris took, especially in a sprint race where the stakes are relatively lower. Reflecting on the situation, Piastri said, "From where I sit… it’s fourth and fifth for a sprint race, so I’m not bothered either way. It’s just that it’s a lot of work now for the team to get both cars fixed. It’s just a shame for them."
Team leadership, including CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella, were notably silent, choosing not to speak to the media, likely indicating their frustration with the situation. McLaren's internal 'Papaya Rules' emphasize putting the team first, a principle seemingly overlooked in this instance.
Elsewhere on the grid, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson was one of the beneficiaries of McLaren's mishap, moving up to fifth place. Commenting humorously on his fortune, Lawson noted how close he came to getting caught up in the wreckage himself, "I’m hard on the lock, nearly crashing into them. I got lucky. You have no idea."
The collision has set the stage for the FIA stewards to review the incident, with both drivers expected to provide their accounts. Whatever the outcome, the clash between Norris and Piastri adds another chapter to the unfolding drama of the 2026 season.