Oscar Piastri kept a lid on any residual frustrations over his Singapore Grand Prix first-lap contretemps with McLaren Formula 1 team-mate Lando Norris, stating that “tensions were high” in the opening laps.
Norris and Piastri were side-by-side through Turn 2 and on the run to Turn 3, with Norris attempting to thread his car down the inside into the corner of the tight left-hander.
Piastri attempted to cover his team-mate off and assumed the position for the outside line. Norris, meanwhile, found himself behind Verstappen and had to check up; a sniff of contact with the Red Bull driver precipitated a minor sideways slide – which put Norris’ car into the side of Piastri.
The subsequent radio traffic between Piastri and engineer Tom Stallard laid the Australian’s frustration bare, who stated that it “wasn’t very team-like” and later felt that the situation was “not fair, if [Norris] has to avoid another car by crashing into his team-mate then that’s a pretty shit job of avoiding”. Piastri then knuckled down and finished fourth, two seconds behind Norris.
After the race, Piastri took a more conciliatory stance, stating that he would need to review the incident before passing any further comment. He subsequently manoeuvred his way through the inevitable questions about the situation, stating that he was simply sharing his views at the time – as encouraged by the team.
Piastri’s post-race media inquisition
Q: How do you review the incident?
Oscar Piastri: I need to look more at the replays to know exactly what happened. Obviously, I think the main thing is the two cars coming together is never what we want. I’ll go and have a look at it in more detail and come to my conclusion.
Q: You said on the radio you didn’t think it was fair. Presumably, you still stand by that. Do you think they should have swapped positions?
OP: I thought in the moment, obviously, it’s the first lap, tensions are high. We’re obviously encouraged to share our views on what happened. I did that. I’m sure we’ll discuss it more after.
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Q: Would this change how you race moving forward with Lando?
OP: No.
Q: What would happen with your slow pitstop? Would you have a free [pass] next race?
OP: [laughs] I don’t know.
Q: Do you think your mindset changed a little bit after that incident? Do you think that compromised the race in a way?
OP: No. I think most of my comments were over two laps out of 62. I don’t know. Maybe it was delayed more on TV. I felt like once I got into my rhythm a bit later in the first stint, I felt like the pace was pretty good. I just didn’t have the track position to do anything with it.
Q: You had quite a robust conversation after Monza discussing the fairness in team engagements. Do you expect a repeat after this weekend? Do you want to hear clarity from the team about where this fairness is?
OP: I need to see the incident in more detail, honestly. Once I have the full picture of things, then yes. Undoubtedly, we will speak about it. I want to see exactly what happened before I make any conclusions.
Q: Are you concerned at all that Lando might be getting preferential treatment?
OP: No.
Q: The team have tried to maintain fairness over the past few seasons, there have been position swaps and strategies included on both sides. Is it balanced from both sides?
OP: I think ultimately, yes. There have obviously been some difficult situations for the whole team. We have obviously spoken about a number of things. Could things have been better at certain points? Yes. Ultimately, it is a learning process with the whole team. I am very, very happy that the intentions are very well meaning, if that makes sense. I have absolutely no concerns about that. Yes, obviously, there have been some tough situations this year. This is another one.
Q: Are you concerned that as you get closer to the end of the season, things are so tight that those intentions should go out of control?
OP: No.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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