Ex-F1 Driver Labels Oscar Piastri 'Fool' After Singapore GP Incident

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has strongly criticized Oscar Piastri, labeling him a “fool” for leaving an opening for his teammate Lando Norris during the chaotic first lap of the Singapore Grand Prix. Montoya defended Norris' aggressive move, though he acknowledged it likely stretched McLaren's 'papaya rules' regarding intra-team racing.

Why it matters:

The incident highlights growing tensions within McLaren as both drivers push for position, potentially challenging the team's long-standing 'papaya rules' designed to prevent inter-team collisions. As the Constructors' Championship is now settled, the drivers' individual ambitions for the title could lead to more aggressive on-track battles, raising questions about team management and driver discipline.

The Details:

• First-Lap Incident: During the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix, starting from fifth, Lando Norris capitalized on a gap left by Piastri. In damp conditions, Norris made contact with Max Verstappen's RB21, which then ricocheted him into Piastri's car.
• Piastri's Frustration: Piastri expressed clear frustration over team radio, calling Norris's move not “team-like,” a direct reference to McLaren's 'papaya rules' which allow drivers to race but forbid contact.
• Montoya's View: On the AS Colombia YouTube channel, Juan Pablo Montoya praised Norris's assertiveness, stating, “We’re seeing a Lando who is starting to take control. He’s starting to make his presence felt. He did what he had to do.”
• Criticism of Piastri: Montoya specifically called Piastri a “fool” for his defensive error: “Oscar left the door open like never before. Coming out of the first corner, if you look, Lando sees that Oscar doesn’t accelerate, and the moment Lando accelerates, Oscar opens [the throttle].” He added, “Oscar acted like a fool for once.”
• Team Rules Context: While Montoya approved of Norris's maneuver, he conceded that it likely "crossed the line" in the context of McLaren's internal racing standards. Previous instances include Piastri being warned against “marginal” moves on Norris earlier in the season.
• Team Response: McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has committed to reviewing the first-lap contact but believes it won't necessitate a change in driving style for either driver.

The Big Picture:

With the Constructors' Championship secured, the dynamics between Piastri and Norris are expected to intensify. Both drivers, now free from the pressure of securing the team title, may prioritize their individual championship aspirations, potentially leading to more assertive and riskier on-track engagements. This shift could test the limits of McLaren's team ethos and 'papaya rules' in the upcoming races.

What's Next:

The outcome of McLaren's internal review and how it communicates its revised expectations to Piastri and Norris will be crucial. The incident sets a precedent for how intra-team battles will be managed, especially as both drivers aim to establish themselves as lead contenders in future seasons. The next few races will likely demonstrate whether the 'papaya rules' can withstand the heat of a personal championship fight.