SINGAPORE — Reigning world champion Lando Norris defended his overtake attempt on McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri after the pair collided on the final lap of the 20-lap sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Circuit. The teammates were running fourth and fifth at Turn 5 when they made contact, with Piastri in the lead car. Norris recovered to finish eighth and secure one point, while Piastri retired as one of nine drivers who failed to finish. Norris is under investigation by the FIA and must report to the stewards before qualifying.
Norris said he wanted to review the incident before offering a full assessment. “I'd rather just go back and review it,” Norris told Sky Sports. When asked if the move was on, he added, “It was… I apologize to them that one of the cars is out, but like I said, the rest of it we'll go review."
Piastri, who had not seen a replay when he spoke to the media, downplayed the points at stake and pointed to the workload ahead for the team. “I've not seen it properly. I mean, from where I sit, it's fourth and fifth for a sprint race, so not that bothered either way,” Piastri said. “Just obviously it's a lot of work now for the team to get both cars fixed, so, just a shame for the team.”
The sprint was delayed by weather conditions ahead of the race, which also caused further delays to the qualifying session later in the day. The extra time will give McLaren a window to get both cars ready for qualifying for Sunday's Grand Prix. The incident came in a sprint won by Max Verstappen after George Russell crashed out, as covered in Verstappen Wins Singapore Sprint After Russell Crashes Out.