Johnny Herbert Defends Lando Norris After Singapore Clash with Oscar Piastri

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri made contact during the Singapore Grand Prix, sparking debate among fans and pundits. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has publicly defended Norris's aggressive move on his McLaren teammate, stating it was simply 'part of racing' and a necessary display of toughness.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the intense competition even between teammates in Formula 1, especially when fighting for track position. Herbert's defense of Norris underscores a philosophy that aggressive, hard racing is a fundamental aspect of the sport, crucial for drivers aiming for championships.

The Details:

• Incident Overview: During the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris attempted an overtake on Oscar Piastri, who had started two places ahead. The two McLaren drivers made contact, an incident that reportedly left Piastri expressing frustration over team radio.
• Herbert's Stance: Johnny Herbert, a former Benetton driver, firmly believes there was nothing wrong with Norris's maneuver. He characterized the contact as 'a little bit of rubbing,' which he deems an acceptable part of racing.
• Hard Racing Philosophy: Herbert drew parallels to F1 legends like Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna, suggesting that hard racing is a trait shared by the sport's greatest drivers. He emphasized that being 'tough' is sometimes necessary to win championships.
• Piastri's Role: Herbert also pointed out that Piastri's initial positioning, getting too close to Max Verstappen, led him to run wide and lose momentum, which created the opening for Norris to make his move.
• Past Criticisms of Norris: Herbert noted that Norris has faced criticism in the past for potentially not being tough enough on track, suggesting this move in Singapore was a positive demonstration of his racing assertiveness.

Between the Lines:

Herbert's commentary implicitly critiques the modern F1 trend where any contact, especially between teammates, is often scrutinized negatively. His view aligns with a more old-school racing mentality that embraces aggressive driving as long as it's within the bounds of fair competition. This perspective also suggests that Norris is evolving as a driver, shedding his 'nice guy' image for a more assertive, championship-contending persona.

What's Next:

While the immediate aftermath of the Singapore clash is in the past, such incidents often subtly influence team dynamics and future on-track interactions between teammates. McLaren will undoubtedly manage the situation internally to ensure it doesn't escalate, but the competitive edge between Norris and Piastri is likely to remain sharp as they both push for top results.