McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has backed Oscar Piastri’s right to speak candidly after the Australian said it was “not fair” that no position swap was ordered following his first-lap clash with Lando Norris in Singapore. The stewards took no further action on the incident, and Norris ultimately finished ahead of Piastri.
How lap 1 unfolded
Piastri started third but was immediately pressured by Norris. Contact between Norris and Max Verstappen at Turn 3 pitched the McLaren into the side of Piastri, leaving Norris with front-wing damage. Despite the intra-team tangle, McLaren chose not to impose team orders, and both cars continued with Norris later finishing in front.
Stella: Clear communication encouraged
Stella said Piastri’s forthright radio messages reflect the culture McLaren wants: “They have to make their position very clear, that’s what we ask them.” He also urged perspective, noting that Norris oversteered into Piastri after the initial touch with Verstappen. The team will review the start, as it did after their Canada clash earlier this season, with the aim of becoming “even more united and stronger.”
No wedge between teammates
McLaren’s handling of close-quarters racing has been under scrutiny after multiple flashpoints this year. Stella maintained that robust debriefs — rather than in-race swaps — are the best way to refine procedures without compromising the team dynamic.
Takeaways
- No penalties were issued by the stewards for the first‑lap contact.
- McLaren did not call for a swap, prompting Piastri’s “not fair” remark.
- The team will review the incident to fine-tune approach and unity, as after Canada.
With both drivers in the fight at the front more regularly, McLaren’s approach emphasizes open dialogue and post-race analysis to manage tight margins without undermining competitive instincts.
