The simmering rivalry between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is far from over.
After a dramatic collision in Singapore two weeks ago, the tension continues to linger as the pair head to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where championship stakes are high.
Fans are bracing for fireworks both on and off the track.
Norris Faces Season-Long Sporting Consequences
Lando Norris has confirmed he will face consequences for the Singapore incident for the remainder of the season.
The collision occurred on the third corner of the opening lap when Norris, attempting a daring move on the inside, accidentally nudged Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and ended up making contact with Piastri.
While it wasn’t deemed deliberate, it broke McLaren’s so-called “Papaya Rules,” which are designed to prevent teammates from colliding.
“Things were reviewed and there will be repercussions for me until the end of the season,” Norris told reporters.
Though the team is keeping the exact nature of the penalty under wraps, insiders suggest it will be sporting rather than financial.
Norris added with a hint of mystery: “If you’re clever you’ll see what it is.”
Piastri’s Frustration Remains
Oscar Piastri, who currently leads Norris by 22 points with just six races left, made his frustration clear at the time, demanding that the drivers swap positions.
McLaren rejected his request, but the incident has fueled ongoing tension between the pair.
Both Norris and Piastri are on long-term contracts, meaning this rivalry is likely to continue for years to come.
Team Harmony in Focus
Despite the tension, Norris emphasized a willingness to respect the team’s decision.
“I’m willing to go along with the edict in the name of future harmony over coming years of rivalry with Piastri,” he said.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella enforces a strict code to prevent collisions between teammates, and Norris acknowledged that being held accountable was fair.
“The team held me accountable for what happened, which I think is fair,” Norris added.
“And, yeah, then we made progress from there with me understanding what the repercussions were for myself.”
As the McLaren duo prepare to renew their battle in Austin, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure—and whether their fragile truce can hold under the intensity of the championship fight.