F1 news: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris remain ‘free to race’ after Canadian Grand Prix clash

By entering the Austrian Grand Prix, the events of the previous race remained the speech of the Paddock of Formula 1.

More specifically, the late stadium incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

It was a moment that many thought they were coming, when the two teammates and contenders of McLaren for the F1 pilot championship clashed on the right track in the closing towers of the Canadian Grand Prix. Norris came out on the wrong side of this battle, losing a front wing and ending his race while he was trying to overtake Piastri for fourth place.

As you can expect, Thursday’s media day at Red Bull Ring included many discussions on this incident.

Speaking at the FIA ​​press conference, Piastri noted that there would be no change in the highly discussed “papaya rules” which govern the rules of engagement between the two McLaren teammates.

“No. As always,” said Piastri, when asked by host Tom Clarkson on papaya rules. “What happened in Canada was not ideal, but we are always free to run, we always fighting for a championship. So, no, continue to run and make sure we don’t get in touch.”

Piastri then explained how the team managed the situation with two fast pilots in front of the field, highlighting the team’s healthy advance in the manufacturers’ championship as an advantage on this front.

“I mean, we did things in terms of strategy to try to get the best result for each car. I was trying to beat the cars in front of me, and we wanted to give me enough laps to try to pass them. It’s a difficult position,” Piastri started.

“I think that the fact that we have a healthy advance in the manufacturers ‘championship makes it a little easier to manage, but it is obviously a difficult situation. I think we have done a very good work of management, pre-applies, and not to be naive that, while being a good position to be with two solid drivers and a good race in the manufacturers’ championship, he obviously has certain aspects of this work.”

Later in the session, Piastri was asked if the “healthy” race in the race for the pilot championship could see McLaren give him a preferential treatment. The Australian driver rejected the idea that his advance was “in good health” – he is currently leading his teammate of 22 points – and reiterated his conviction that the team does correctly by the two drivers.

“Your version of Healthy is much larger than mine,” said Piastri.

“I think that, for me, I just want – and we all want – a fair opportunity to try to win the two championships. Especially in the pilot championship, because in the end, it can only be one of us. I think the situation must change spectacular to start having these conversations, and they are very far for the moment,” continued Piastri. “So, for the moment, all I can ask is a good chance to try to win the championship, and that’s also what I want. No, I’m not ready to participate in these discussions.

“I think the most important and most important thing was just that things have remained just as many aspects as possible,” added Piastri.

“Obviously, there are certain situations that will not always be completely just – whether it is the strategy, because there is only one stand box, or other things. But I think it’s the greatest thing for the two of us.

“Obviously, the first rule, whether written or not, is that the two cars of the same team does not crash. I think it is the great thing. In Canada, what we have done this year is to recognize that it is a possibility. I think that we have treated it very well in Canada and from Canada. I have nothing else,” added Piastri. “I think what we do and the way we go is the right approach. It is obviously difficult to navigate, but it is a good problem to have in some ways. What we do is good, and a good opportunity is what we both ask for. ”

In the end, Piastri said that he and the team look forward to “racing again”.

“We talked about it honestly before we even returned to the team. Lando raised her hands and apologized. So everything is fine and I can’t wait to go to the race again. ”