Norris and Piastri celebrating McLaren's constructors' title in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

F1 Today | Andretti's bombshell on Norris as 'McLaren mechanics caught'

21:32, 12 Oct

byTobia Elia

As always, let’s take a look at the two main Formula 1 stories from today, Sunday, October 12.

Mario Andretti drops bombshell: McLaren alleged bias against Oscar Piastri

The former American Formula 1 world champion believes that the papaya team is favouring Lando Norris in the title fight against Oscar Piastri — even though the Australian has led the championship for most of the season and still holds a considerable advantage in the standings.

The Australian still holds a 22-point lead over his teammate with six races and three sprints remaining. Andretti, who attended the Festival of Sports, was asked by Corriere della Sera about the F1 season and how he rated the drivers. The focus, of course — alongside Verstappen — was on the two McLaren drivers.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Punishment revealed as 'McLaren mechanics caught' red-handed

During an episode of Sky Sports Germany’s podcast, Schumacher revealed that Singapore had never really appealed to him.

He joked about how vaping — the use of electronic cigarettes — is actually against the law there, something the McLaren mechanics didn’t know until they got a taste of the strict local rules themselves.

In time, though, the former German driver learned to see Singapore in a new light, thanks to Formula 1.

The Marina Bay circuit became iconic as the venue for F1’s first-ever night race in 2008 — an event forever remembered for the Crashgate controversy involving Renault, Nelson Piquet Jr.’s deliberate crash, and Fernando Alonso’s unexpected win. It was also the race that played a decisive role in Felipe Massa’s narrow and bitter defeat in that year’s title battle.

Ralf Schumacher in the F1 paddock. Photo source: RacePictures.

Ralf Schumacher claims McLaren's mechanics were caught breaking Singaporean law. Photo: RacePictures.

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