Former F1 driver Perry McCarthy believes Oscar Piastri "threw a tantrum" in the Singapore Grand Prix, in a clever bid to try and come out on top against Lando Norris in the future.
Piastri was angered after the Turn 2 move from his team-mate on the opening lap of the Marina Bay race, with the Australian being shoved wide as Norris barged past to grab third place - the contact being caused by Norris clipping the rear of Max Verstappen ahead.
Piastri then requested the place be given back as he felt Norris had breached the so-called Papaya Rules in place by making contact, and having followed a request to let Norris back through at the Italian GP after a slow pit-stop.
McLaren did not instruct Norris to allow Piastri through, meaning the Briton took a further three points out of Piastri's lead to sit 22 points behind with six rounds and three Sprints remaining.
Reflecting on the move and Piastri's reaction, McCarthy believes Piastri's tactics were to ensure he receives the benefit of any McLaren doubt in the future.
"I think that Oscar threw a tantrum because he wasn't aware of exactly all the things that actually happened," McCarthy told RacingNews365.
"But it's a bit unbecoming, really, for somebody challenging for the world championship to make such a fuss about what was a totally legitimate passing manoeuvre, that was actually a very, very good passing manoeuvre by Norris.
"So you've got, Lando, he's a racing driver. There's a gap. That is his job, and it's not just his job.
"It is completely instinctual, and the moment you lose that, you might as well pack your bags and go home.
"I suspect that Oscar was complaining to try and gain a little bit of capital for future negotiations when something might go wrong for him, but nonetheless, I don't think he did himself any favours reputationally.
"Because he's the one who's supposed to be ice cool and everything, and Lando is supposed to be the weaker one mentally, but that seemed to very much reverse itself in Singapore."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix! Lando Norris' move on Oscar Piastri is a major talking point, as is Max Verstappen's title chances now being very much alive.
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