McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has addressed the collision between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the final lap of the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint. Stella expressed disappointment over the incident and highlighted its seriousness for the team, particularly given the material damage and lost points involved.
The clash between Norris and Piastri occurred at a critical moment in the race, costing McLaren eight valuable points in a tightly contested championship. With McLaren holding only a nine-point lead over Red Bull in the Teams’ Championship, the consequences of the collision were significant. Stella described the situation as “not acceptable” and stressed that the team’s interests must take priority over individual drivers’ ambitions.
Despite the setback, Stella emphasized a constructive approach, focusing on strengthening team unity rather than assigning blame. The FIA stewards reviewed the incident and concluded that neither driver was wholly or predominantly responsible for the collision. Stella acknowledged the unpredictable nature of driver behaviour in racing but underlined the need to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the race weekend, further discussions are planned between the team and its drivers to address the incident and reinforce collaboration. Stella made it clear that he is not seeking apologies but rather a renewed focus on working together to avoid repeat occurrences and to maximise the team’s results moving forward.
The collision serves as a reminder of the fine balance within a team environment, especially when both drivers are competing closely in the championship. Stella’s comments reflect a priority on team cohesion and the importance of managing internal competition responsibly.
As the 2026 Formula 1® season continues, McLaren aims to learn from this episode and maintain its position in the championship fight. The team principal’s measured response underscores the challenges of managing two competitive drivers while safeguarding the collective goals of the team.