Singapore Sprint intra-team collision: F1 stewards take no further action against Norris and Piastri

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

F1 stewards have decided to take no further action following their investigation into a McLaren intra-team collision during the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint. The incident occurred on the final lap at Turn 5 as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri chased Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari for the last podium position.

According to the stewards’ report, Norris attempted an overtake by diving to the inside of his team mate ahead of the final section of the corner. That move resulted in contact between the cars, which caused both to spin. Piastri ultimately retired after striking the wall, while Norris managed to recover and cross the chequered flag in P8.

The stewards set out the drivers’ differing perspectives on the lead-up to the collision. In their report, Norris stated that he did not expect Piastri (Car 1) to attempt an overtake. Norris said that after turning in, he noticed Car 1 on the inside and attempted to leave space, but the gap and timing were insufficient to avoid contact.

Piastri’s explanation, as recorded by the stewards, focused on the opportunities he believed he had at the corner entry. The stewards noted that Piastri said he saw a chance to overtake, adding that the front axle of his car was ahead of the mirror of Norris’s car prior to the apex. As he approached, he said the space he experienced was less than he had anticipated, forcing him to use the inside kerb and brake, which the report links to the collision.

After weighing both accounts, the stewards concluded that “both drivers had contributed to the incident and that neither driver was wholly or predominantly to blame for the collision. Therefore the Stewards determined to take no further action.” The decision means neither Norris nor Piastri will face a penalty as a result of the incident review.

Before the stewards’ decision, Norris described the situation in the aftermath of the Sprint. He said the pace was strong and that he had identified a “big opportunity” into Turn 5 on the last lap, adding that he went for it as the gap closed, attempted to back out as the closing speed worsened, and still had contact while trying to avoid the incident. He stated that the remainder would be reviewed with the team.