McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has stated his team will throw full support behind Lando Norris following his clash with Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Norris was chasing Piastri for fourth place at the Montreal race but hit the rear of his team-mate's car.
While Piastri was able to continue to the chequered flag, Norris sustained terminal damage and was forced to retire - marking his first non-score of the season.
It leaves him 22 points off the championship lead entering the 11th round of the campaign from Austria.
Stella voiced support for his driver as he acknowledged Norris' confidence may have taken a knock in the clash.
“This may have an impact in terms of his confidence, but it's up to us as a team to show our full support to Lando,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.
"And on this one I want to be completely clear, it's full support to Lando.
"We will have conversations, and the conversations may be even tough.
“But there’s no doubt over the support we give to Lando and over the fact that we will preserve our parity and equality in terms of how we go racing at McLaren between our two drivers.”
Norris immediately took the blame for the collision and apologised to his team over his radio.
Stella suggested matters would have played out differently behind the scenes if Norris had not admitted fault.
“The situation would be different if Lando had not taken responsibility and apologised,” Stella said.
"Lando himself will have to show his character to overcome this kind of episode, make sure that he only takes the learnings, he only takes what will make him a stronger driver.”
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