Timo Glock sharply criticizes McLaren’s communication following the collision at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, describing the aftermath as drama.
The collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix is also the dominant topic in Austin. After McLaren team boss Andrea Stella spoke of “consequences” for Norris, there is now fierce criticism from Formula 1 expert Timo Glock.
He continues his criticism: “I have no idea what this little drama is supposed to achieve. Either I keep my mouth shut or I make myself vulnerable. Everyone else is laughing their heads off. Max Verstappen is delighted and says: ‘Go ahead and argue, guys—I’ll be right there when you crash into each other again.’”
That’s not the only thing he criticizes. He thinks it’s completely ridiculous that such a minor contact was even the subject of a full internal team investigation: “He’s racing for the world championship. So should he just wave him past? This whole ‘we all love each other’ and ‘we’ll talk about it in a circle’ thing… I don’t know—I have to be honest and say that I’m starting to have my doubts. “
”The fact is, the two are competing for the world championship, and everyone will give it their all. Lando Norris has to do that. And then there’s the question of whether Oscar Piastri will think again about what he did at Monza – giving up that position, giving up those points, just because the team made a mistake during the pit stop.”
Glock’s analysis: racing accident
The scene would probably not be blown out of proportion if McLaren weren’t trying to control the World Championship battle from A to Z. Glock ultimately sees the collision as a racing accident: “Lando Norris was next to him and stuck his nose in. The issue, of course, is that it’s always a bit hectic at the start of the race. You can see that the cars were very nervous.“
”From Norris’ point of view: the track was slightly damp, he held his line on the inside but had no other option, was a bit surprised by Max Verstappen’s braking maneuver and then lost the rear. There was actually enough space, but when he loses the rear, there’s contact and Lando Norris is through.“
In the dynamics surrounding the world championship title, Glock sees Singapore as a point victory for Norris: ”In the position Lando Norris is in, as a teammate you have to show: ‘Mate, I’m here, I’m wide awake.’ That’s important.”
“The question is what will happen to Oscar Piastri’s mental strength. You always think he never has a pulse above 100, but you’re slowly noticing—through what has happened in the last few races—that he’s also becoming a little more unsettled.”
The action now continues on the American continent with four races before the decision is made with two races in the Middle East. The question is not only which driver will come out on top, but also how much control McLaren wants to exert in the World Championship battle. Or whether Max Verstappen will be the one laughing in the end…
