Oscar Piastri silences McLaren boss with team radio cut-off

Oscar Piastri appeared to disconnect the radio in his MCL39 whilst McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown was mid-way through thanking him for his efforts after the Singapore Grand Prix.

It was an evening of contrasting emotions for the Australian, with the Woking-based squad wrapping up a second-successive F1 constructors' championship under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

However, a first lap incident with Lando Norris left the nine-time grand prix winner to trail home in fourth, behind his team-mate and title rival.

The British driver put his car up the inside at the third corner of the first lap, unintentionally making contact with Max Verstappen's Red Bull ahead. That touch pushed him towards Piastri, and the papaya pair banged wheels.

Piastri expressed his frustration in the wake of the collision, taking to team radio to question the British driver's actions.

Although, the FIA did not seek to intervene, and McLaren allowed its drivers to continue uninterrupted to the chequered flag.

It leaves Piastri, who expects talks to happen internally after the incident, 22 points ahead of Norris in the drivers' standings with six rounds — and three sprints — remaining this season.

In a clip that has now been circulated on social media, onboard footage from the 24-year-old's car shows Piastri unplugging the steering wheel of his MCL39 as Brown is mid-sentence.

"Oscar, back-to-back champions! Tough race, thank you for…," the American says before being suddenly disconnected.

McLaren has confirmed to RacingNews365 that Piastri had already turned off his car and therefore never heard Brown speaking to him through his team radio channel.