Piastri Addresses 'Aggressive' Move On Norris From His Own Perspective

Tuesday, 03 September 2024 at 18:00

Oscar Piastri discussed the lap one move on Lando Norris during the 2024 Italian Grand Prix that cost his teammate in the Drivers' Championship.

McLaren Racing F1 driver Oscar Piastri pulled off one of the most amazing overtakes of the season during the 16th round at Monza Circuit.

The 23-year-old made an incredible move around the outside into turn number 4 (also known as "della Roggia chicane") as he went later on the brakes than Lando Norris.

Why was it controversial? The problem was that this move was quite risky, and by going for it, Piastri risked putting both McLarens out of the race, which could be critical when the Papaya team fights for both Championship titles.

Speaking after the race, McLarne CEO Zak Brown clarified that this move was in line with rules of engagement - in the British team, also known as "Papaya rules."

However, he still called it "aggressive" and said there would be a discussion behind closed doors between team leaders and Norris with Piastri.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri side by side into Turn 4 on the opening lap of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, with Norris on the inside line.

Oscar Piastri (left) and Lando Norris (right) going into turn four on the opening lap of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix

What was the Australian's perspective on the overtake? Speaking to the media during the post-race press conference, he said:

“"I mean, I braked later and got around the outside, there wasn't really much more to it than that."”

“"You know, we both got through unscathed, and I knew once I hit the brakes, I kind of got ahead a bit, and I knew I was kind of entitled to stay on the outside."”

“"Ultimately, for 38 laps of that race, it put me in a race-winning position. So, for me, it was just a good first lap."”

Norris's opinion on Piastri's overtake:

It's safe to say that the 24-year-old wasn't happy with the incident that took place on the opening lap of the race. As a result of the overtake, Norris lost one more position to Charles Leclerc and couldn't recover until the end of the race.

This meant he didn't close the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship as he could have if he had finished at least second. He said:

“"I feel like he got way too close for comfort – we both easily could have been out in that corner if I braked one meter later. Obviously, if I could rewind, I would do stuff slightly differently, but it is what it is."”