A significant number of F1 fans have placed the responsibility on Lando Norris for the crash with Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Later in the grand prix, the pair contended for fourth place, signifying the initial clash between the two in their title rivalry.
While Norris attempted to cut inside Piastri heading into the first corner, he collided with the back of his teammate’s vehicle.
Norris’ opponent incurred major damage, leading to his withdrawal from the race and providing Piastri with an advantage at the top of the rankings.
RacingNews365 inquired of you, the fans, who was responsible for the collision.
More than 84 percent of the votes went to Lando Norris, while only four percent of individuals think Piastri was at fault.
The fan poll outcome aligns with McLaren’s overall view as Norris quickly raised his hands following the crash, while team principal Andrea Stella remarked it was a “misjudgment” from the Briton.
The clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has triggered considerable debate within the Formula 1 community. As both drivers battled for key championship points and team dominance, tensions were already high before the incident unfolded. Their collision, however, not only reshaped the outcome of the Canadian Grand Prix but also raised questions about intra-team dynamics and Norris’ role in the crash.
The incident occurred during a crucial moment in the race, with both McLaren drivers chasing strong finishes to strengthen their positions in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. As Norris made a bold move into Turn 1, he miscalculated his braking point and trajectory, ultimately hitting the rear of Piastri’s car. The impact caused significant damage to the Australian’s rear suspension, leading to his retirement from the race and forcing McLaren to make difficult decisions about team orders and risk management going forward.
Fans were quick to weigh in, and the overwhelming verdict was clear: Norris bore the brunt of the blame. According to a RacingNews365 poll, more than 84 percent of fans believed Norris was responsible for the collision, citing his aggressive attempt to overtake in a high-risk section of the track. Only four percent of respondents believed Piastri contributed to the accident, showing strong support for the young Australian and perhaps signaling a shift in fan loyalty amid the intensifying rivalry between the two drivers.
The public sentiment was echoed within the McLaren camp. Team Principal Andrea Stella did not shy away from commenting on the incident, characterizing Norris’ move as a “misjudgment.” Stella emphasized the importance of managing intra-team competition responsibly, highlighting the risks that come with aggressive driving between teammates. The team had expected both drivers to challenge for top-four positions, and the crash was seen as a wasted opportunity.
Norris himself acknowledged fault shortly after the race. The British driver was visibly frustrated and immediately raised his hands in a gesture of apology when his car came to a halt. His candid response in post-race interviews reflected accountability and an understanding of the damage caused — both in terms of points lost and the possible strain on his relationship with Piastri.
For Piastri, the incident, though frustrating, could become a pivotal moment in the season. The resulting retirement for Norris meant that Piastri gained valuable points and moved into a more commanding position in the championship standings. While he expressed disappointment at not finishing higher due to the circumstances, he remained composed in his statements and avoided stoking the flames of controversy.
The fallout from the crash will likely prompt internal discussions at McLaren. With both drivers competing at a high level and title aspirations becoming increasingly realistic, the team must now navigate the complex balance of fostering competitiveness while avoiding further on-track clashes. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how McLaren manages this delicate dynamic and whether further team orders or revised race strategies will be implemented.
In any case, the Norris-Piastri incident has added a dramatic new chapter to the 2025 Formula 1 season. It highlighted the thin line between racing brilliance and costly miscalculations, and served as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of F1. With fan opinion firmly against Norris this time, the British driver will be looking for redemption in the next round — both in performance and in public perception.
