Source: Imagn Images/Eric Bolte
[Saba Sports News] Another incident of a champion team’s internal clash unfolded at the Montreal circuit – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s two stars, erupted in a fierce clash during the 67th lap of the race, which was the third-to-last lap. When the race reached Lap 67, Norris, leveraging his speed advantage, closely pursued his teammate. Both were closing in on the Mercedes ahead. After failing to overtake in the hairpin turn, Norris launched a decisive charge on the pit straight. Facing Piastri’s defense along the left side of the track, the British driver misjudged the space and forcibly cut in, resulting in his car’s front wing violently colliding with his teammate’s rear. This catastrophic crash abruptly ended Norris’s race – his McLaren MCL39 car lost control, slamming into the wall, damaging the front wing and suspension. Although Piastri narrowly escaped, his dream of reaching the podium was shattered. When Norris exited the cockpit, his self-critical apology had already been relayed through team radio. Shortly after the race, he immediately went to the press area to apologize to his teammate face-to-face. Piastri responded with remarkable magnanimity: sincere communication is the cornerstone of team progress. Just as fans thought the matter was about to subside, the FIA’s ruling arrived. By analyzing onboard video footage and statements from both parties, the tribunal determined that Norris bore full responsibility for the collision. Even though Norris had already retired from the race, he was officially penalized with an additional 5-second penalty, which will be recorded in his race history.