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Guenther Steiner at the Miami Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Ex-F1 team boss sides with Norris after Singapore flashpoint

19:24, 08 Oct

Updated: 20:26, 08 Oct

1 Comments

bySamson Ero

Guenther Steiner backs Lando Norris after his move on Oscar Piastri at the Singapore Grand Prix.

“It was just hard racing.”

- Guenther Steiner

The former Haas team principal, talking on The Red Flags Podcast, explained why he doesn’t see anything wrong with the move made by the Briton on his McLaren teammate.

“No, I don’t think so. It was at the start, it was just hard racing.”

Steiner further doubled down on his claim, stating that Piastri’s radio message stemmed from previous incidents involving both McLaren drivers.

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Lando Norris collided with Oscar Piastri at the start of the Singapore GP. Photo: RacePictures.

“Oscar’s question came because of past decisions that were made before. To unravel all of this – what was said and what was done – is a story in itself.”

“And you’ll never get it completely right because you can use any argument. Fortunately for them, I still think they’ll win the World Championship, including the Drivers’ title, because in the Constructors’, they’ve already won. Congratulations to them for that.”

During the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris completed an overtake on Piastri on the opening lap. The teammates made contact, with Norris suffering a dent to his front wing endplate.

Steiner’s comments align with Norris’ post-race statement, where he explained that anyone against his move on his teammate perhaps doesn’t deserve to be in Formula 1.

Herbert backs Norris’ move

Johnny Herbert also echoed Steiner’s sentiments, backing the move Norris made on Piastri. The former F1 driver explained that he doesn’t see anything wrong with the move made by the 25-year-old.

The 61-year-old further stated that such moves are part of what a driver with his sights set on winning a championship should be willing to make, irrespective of the scenario.

He concluded by drawing a subtle comparison with overtakes made by Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna.