Lando Norris provided a spectacle in the final stages of the Canadian Grand Prix. Both McLarens were still in contention for a podium spot behind Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who held a lead of a few tenths of a second. Norris attempted to overtake Oscar Piastri, but damaged his front wing on the Australian’s rear tyre while in the slipstream – the inevitable papaya clash had occurred. Team boss Andrea Stella was not pleased with Norris’ action after the race.
“We had predicted beforehand that this could happen,” Andrea Stella told the media in Montreal. “It’s a hard lesson for our drivers, and a costly misjudgment by Lando Norris,” Stella emphasized sternly. “This has cost us a lot of points in the championship. We never want a McLaren to be involved in an accident — especially not when it happens between our own cars. This goes against all our principles.”
Stella: ‘Norris took his responsibility’
“The last word has not been said about this,” he added. “At the same time, you can understand that such an incident occurs when a wrong judgment is made. Fortunately, Norris immediately took responsibility — we do appreciate that,” Stella praised his driver. Over the team radio, the British driver casually apologized: “That was entirely my fault,” he told his race engineer. “Really stupid of me.”
Teammate Oscar Piastri — as down-to-earth as ever — was not particularly impressed by the collision. “Well, I had to defend hard,” he responded after the race. “Lando went for a daring overtaking attempt, but I stood my ground and made sure I would win the corner. Then he ended up in my slipstream. I didn’t immediately realize what was happening; I just felt a tap.” By securing his fourth place, Piastri also dealt a blow in the drivers’ standings; the Australian, also the championship leader, extended his lead to 22 points.
