McLaren Tension: Norris and Piastri, Clash of interests after the GP? F1

Tension at McLaren: The Incident That Shook the Singapore Grand Prix

The recent Formula 1 race in Singapore has left more than just a winner: it has sown doubts and tensions within the McLaren team. Although George Russell took the victory, the focus of attention shifted to the collision between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on the first lap. This incident, meticulously analyzed, could have repercussions in the six remaining races of 2025. The collision, viewed through the FIA’s rules, was classified as a racing incident, common on the first lap. The stewards decided not to investigate, but the situation became delicate within McLaren, especially due to their internal rules that promise fair play on the track.

What Exactly Happened?

From fifth on the grid, Norris got a good start and aggressively went on the attack, overtaking Kimi Antonelli and going for his teammate Piastri’s position into the first corner. Piastri left space, but Norris found himself in a tight space approaching Turn 3, with Max Verstappen ahead. With a few centimeters to spare, Norris touched the rear of Verstappen’s Red Bull, causing a skid and the subsequent collision with Piastri, who was trying to take a line on the outside. Norris suffered damage to his front wing, but it was the contact with Piastri that allowed him to secure third place. From that moment on, Norris seemed to be faster, finishing on the podium ahead of his teammate.

“That wasn’t very team-like, but oh well,” Piastri said over the radio, followed by a tense exchange with his engineer.

Oscar Piastri

Piastri’s reaction is understandable, given that from his perspective, the contact with Norris seemed direct. However, the replays showed that Norris was affected by the contact with Verstappen. Norris, for his part, defended his action, arguing that any driver would have done the same.Instagram post description: Oscar Piastri, left, and Lando Norris battle for third place on the first lap of the Singapore Grand Prix.

McLaren’s Decision: Why Didn’t They Intervene?

McLaren has established clear rules to avoid collisions between its drivers. However, the team considered the contact to be a result of the situation with Verstappen. Team principal Andrea Stella explained that the incident would be reviewed, but it was interpreted as a consequence of the racing action. Stella understood Piastri’s frustration, but highlighted the importance of open radio communication. The conversation between the drivers and the team will be crucial in the upcoming races.

What’s Next in the Title Fight?

With six races remaining, internal tension at McLaren could increase. Piastri leads Norris by 22 points, while Verstappen, who finished second, has reduced the gap to 63 points. Pressure on team rules will intensify, and Stella is aware of the importance of maintaining unity. Stella emphasized the difficulty of balancing the individual interests of the drivers with those of the team. Managing these situations will be key to McLaren’s success in the remainder of the season.