Oscar Piastri apologised following a close call with teammate Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed. The incident occurred at the Red Bull Ring as the two drivers fought fiercely for the lead after the early Safety Car period.

Just before the first pit stops, Piastri tried to overtake Norris at Turn 4, locking up his tyres and nearly colliding with his teammate. This aggressive move resulted in Piastri flat-spotting his tyres, prompting a stern warning from race engineer Tom Stallard that such an attempt was “too marginal” and could not be repeated.

After the race, Stella told Sky Sports that Piastri recognised the move was overly risky and expressed regret for pushing the limits on track.

It was intense racing but that’s what we’re here for,

Stella said. Austria is a special track, when you get DRS you are hooked to the car ahead.

This is what happened in the first stint, the pace of Lando and Oscar was similar. They stayed together then at the end of the stint, Oscar had a couple of chances.

We are proud of how they handled the situation. We needed to give Oscar advice in terms of the manoeuvre into Corner 4 which he actually acknowledged. Once again, proud of him. After the chequered flag he said that he was sorry, that he went a little too far.

They are obviously stressful moments but we trust, we rely on Lando and Oscar. On the pitwall you try to stay as chilled as possible, and analyse rationally what is going on.

—Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal

Learning and Unity Following Past On-Track Incidents

McLaren’s strong 1-2 finish in Austria was a positive turnaround following earlier tensions between Piastri and Norris, recallable from their collision at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. That previous contact marked the first major clash between the two drivers this season, but Norris promptly accepted responsibility and apologised to the team.

Stella reflected that the experience brought the drivers and team closer, fostering better communication and cooperation moving forward.

The guys needed the opportunity to win the race, as long as they do in the way that they did it,

Stella said.

The Montreal incident was deemed a misjudgement of closing speed and racing line by Norris, who took full responsibility. Stella explained the team has used these moments as learning opportunities.

From there, we started a process of good conversations. We came out more united as a team. That’s how you grow, not all things will be good. Even from unpleasant events you need to find a way to grow.

—Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal

Current Standings and Team Atmosphere

Following the Austrian Grand Prix, Piastri holds a 15-point lead over Norris in the ongoing Formula 1 drivers’ championship battle. Both drivers remain crucial to McLaren’s success this season as the team focuses on harnessing their talents constructively.

The competitive but respectful dynamic between Piastri and Norris continues to intensify, with the squad aiming to channel this passion into consistent results as the season progresses.