Oscar Piastri has disclosed the incident between the McLaren duo at Formula 1‘s United States Grand Prix has removed the repercussions enforced on Lando Norris.
Both McLaren drivers were eliminated on the opening lap in the Sprint Race in Austin when Nico Hulkenberg tagged Piastri at Turn 1, sending him into his team-mate.
Despite the stewards taking no action, there have been those who have contended that Piastri’s aggressive switchback attempt on Norris had instigated the accident.
The situation succeeded a contentious moment between the McLarens in Singapore when Norris banged wheels with Piastri as he passed his team-mate at the start.
That culminated in the Briton being given what the team described as a negligible sporting consequence that was intended to be prevalent over the remaining rounds.
However, Piastri has divulged that his part in the collision that caused a double McLaren retirement has cancelled out the repercussions that had been dealt to Norris.
“We’ve gone through it again, we go through every weekend regardless of what’s happened,” Piastri told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think there is a degree of responsibility from my side in the Sprint, and we’re starting this weekend with a clean slate for both of us.
“Just going out and racing and see who can come out on top.”
Asked whether the term “clean slate” means McLaren has removed Norris’ repercussions, Piastri replied: “Yes, the consequences on Lando’s side have been removed.”
Piastri denies McLaren creating additional pressure
Piastri also dismissed that McLaren’s unwavering commitment to its racing principles is generating extra pressure in his and Norris’ quests to secure the Drivers’ title.
“Not necessarily, no,” the Australian, who has a 14-point advantage, responded. “I think for us, it’s pretty clear what those rules are, which is don’t crash into each other.
“But I think regardless of what scenario you’re in, that’s kind of how you’re expected to race as team-mates. I don’t think that adds any pressure into the scenario.”
READ MORE – Why alarming dip threatens to derail Oscar Piastri’s F1 title bid
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