Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Stella stresses the ‘even more foundational’ value after Singapore clash

08:59, 07 Oct

Updated: 10:37, 07 Oct

byTobia Elia

Is trust within McLaren now at risk after the clash between Norris and Piastri in Singapore? Andrea Stella addressed the situation.

“What’s at stake is not only the championship points, but also the trust of our drivers in the way we operate as a team”

- Andrea Stella

Speaking about what happened at the end of the race and the team’s internal dynamics, Stella said: “The internal competition in terms of the Drivers’ Championship is regulated by principles which talk about, for instance, team interest.

"But the team interest is also to make sure that we have fair racing between our two drivers — that they can pursue their aspirations, that there is sportsmanship in the way we go racing. And these are the guiding principles which remain, even if we have achieved the Constructors’ Championship."

He then added: “We get more and more of the fine-tuning by reviewing each event — from which, even when things looked like they were perfectly going, you always have a little bit to learn and review.”

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Stella believes that no hasty conclusions should be drawn — not only because a Drivers’ title is at stake, but also, and more importantly, to preserve the trust both drivers have within the team.

“We need to make sure that we don’t become too quick in drawing conclusions. We need to be accurate, because there’s a lot at stake.

"And what’s at stake is not only the championship points, but also the trust of our drivers in the way we operate as a team. This is, if anything, even more foundational than the points themselves. So we will apply all the accuracy that is required in this case, and all the conversations that are needed.”

Brundle offers advice to McLaren after Singapore clash

The collision between the two McLaren drivers was one of the main talking points after the Singapore Grand Prix — an incident that nearly overshadowed George Russell’s brilliant victory, which itself further complicated Max Verstappen’s title challenge.

The championship fight is, in fact, one of the key factors behind the on-track tension between Piastri and Norris. After a less-than-ideal qualifying on Saturday, Norris muscled his way past his teammate at the start, while the Australian complained over the radio that the move wasn’t “fair.”

In his traditional post-race column, Martin Brundle analysed the situation within McLaren and offered some advice to the papaya team.

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