Ex-Haas Boss Guenther Steiner Backs Norris in Singapore Incident

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly supported Lando Norris's aggressive move on teammate Oscar Piastri during the Singapore Grand Prix, dismissing it as 'just hard racing.' This stance aligns with Norris's post-race comments, further intensifying the debate around intra-team competition.

Why it matters:

Intra-team clashes, especially between highly competitive drivers, often spark significant debate within Formula 1. Steiner's endorsement of Norris's maneuver adds weight to the argument for hard racing, even among teammates, highlighting the fine line between aggressive driving and avoidable contact. Such incidents can be crucial in shaping team dynamics and public perception of drivers.

The details:

• Incident Overview: On the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris completed an overtake on Oscar Piastri, making contact in the process. Norris's front wing endplate sustained a minor dent.
• Steiner's View: Guenther Steiner, speaking on the Red Flags podcast, stated, "No, I don’t think so. It was at the start, you know, it was just hard racing." He emphasized that Piastri's subsequent radio message likely stemmed from historical interactions between the two McLaren drivers rather than the specific incident itself.
• Norris's Defense: Norris had previously asserted that anyone who disapproved of his move on Piastri might not belong in Formula 1, underscoring his belief in aggressive, no-holds-barred racing.
• Herbert's Support: Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert echoed Steiner's sentiments, also defending Norris's action. Herbert suggested that such bold moves are essential for drivers aiming for a championship, drawing parallels to legendary overtakes by Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna.

Between the lines:

Steiner's comments, particularly his reference to "past decisions," suggest an awareness of an ongoing dynamic within McLaren. While downplaying the contact itself, he hints at a deeper narrative surrounding how Norris and Piastri have interacted in competitive situations, potentially implying a need for both drivers to assert their positions within the team hierarchy. The support from figures like Steiner and Herbert reinforces a certain 'old school' F1 mentality that values aggressive driving over overly cautious team orders, even if it leads to minor contact.

What's next:

While McLaren seems to have moved past the immediate incident, the underlying competitive tension between Norris and Piastri will undoubtedly be a narrative to watch as the season progresses. How these drivers manage their on-track battles, especially in high-stakes situations, will be critical for McLaren's constructors' championship aspirations and their individual championship hopes. The team's handling of future close encounters will reveal their philosophy on balancing intra-team competition with overall team success.