Oscar Piastri in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

McLaren meltdown grabs international media attention after Singapore GP

07:32, 06 Oct

Updated: 07:43, 06 Oct

byTobia Elia

How did international media outlets react to the internal drama at McLaren following the collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Singapore GP?

La Gazzetta dello Sport

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship triumph but also points out the team’s third consecutive race without a win — not an ideal trend in terms of the Drivers’ Championship battle.

“McLaren was clearly faster than Red Bull,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The papaya duo took some risks at the start, with Norris — who finished third — attacking teammate Piastri, damaging his front wing and leaving the Australian, who ended up fourth, furious. Woking can celebrate the Constructors’ title, but a third race without a win is still a warning sign.”

Oscar PIastri in Singapore GP - Race Pictures

Marca

The Spanish newspaper points out that McLaren will have plenty of work to do reviewing its internal regulations, but the controversy between the two drivers has already been unleashed after what happened.

“Norris did exactly what was asked of him — aggressive, committed, and focused. He saw the gap Piastri left at the first corner, went for it, and made slight contact with his teammate’s car. He managed to get ahead, leaving the Australian with front-wing damage after Turn 3 — and a fair amount of anger.

Piastri was clearly frustrated. ‘This happens because there are no clear rules,’ he complained to his engineer. Still, McLaren insisted there was no fault on Lando’s part, as he had avoided a potential collision with Verstappen. More fuel to the fire for a season finale on the edge between the two teammates. McLaren will have to decide through its internal regulations — but the controversy is very much alive.”

Bild

BILD, on the other hand, points out that yesterday should have been a day of celebration for McLaren, but the contact between the two drivers instead created tension within the team, leaving little room for a festive mood.

“It should have been a reason to celebrate, but there was little festive mood among the ‘Papayas,’ as the team is nicknamed for its orange car livery — least of all for Oscar Piastri!

No wonder Piastri is frustrated. In addition to the Constructors’ title, the McLaren star also has his sights set on the Drivers’ Championship. His biggest rival? Teammate Lando Norris! Just 22 points separate the two McLaren drivers with six races remaining.”

Piastri skips McLaren’s Constructors’ title celebrations

While the team led by Andrea Stella and Zak Brown gathered on the podium — with the entire crew, including Lando Norris — to celebrate their second Constructors’ title, the Australian chose instead to focus on his media duties, sending a clear message after already switching off the radio while Zak Brown was speaking to him post-race.

Piastri thus lost three valuable points to his teammate and six to Verstappen, who keeps his hopes for a fifth world title alive.

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