According to esteemed F1 pundit Martin Brundle, a significant shift in “ground rules” has occurred between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This assessment follows their impactful collision on the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix, an incident Brundle believes will profoundly affect their Formula 1 title aspirations.
At the bustling Marina Bay Street Circuit, Norris, starting from fifth on the grid, executed an impressive getaway. He swiftly moved past Kimi Antonelli`s Mercedes, positioning himself to attempt an overtake on his teammate Piastri, who had commenced the race from the third spot.
The incident unfolded at Turn 3 where Norris successfully moved to the inside of Piastri. However, he then made contact with Max Verstappen`s Red Bull, which was positioned ahead. Norris`s immediate reaction to this initial contact sent his car veering right, resulting in a heavy wheel-to-wheel collision with Piastri. The severe impact nearly propelled the Australian driver into the trackside barrier.
Following the clash, Piastri was audibly frustrated over the team radio, initially suggesting that McLaren should intervene and reverse his and Norris`s track positions. His frustration intensified significantly when the team communicated that they would not be taking any action or imposing any changes during the ongoing race.
Piastri`s impassioned radio message conveyed his displeasure: “That`s not fair. I`m sorry, that`s not fair. If he has to avoid another car by crashing into his teammate, then that`s a pretty awful job of avoiding.”
Rupert Hollis 
Marcus Prine