An already challenging Canadian Grand Prix race weekend ended in tears for Lando Norris, who retired in the closing moments of the event after colliding with his teammate Oscar Piastri.

The Briton took full responsibility for the collision on the radio after the race — but he also made a point to apologize directly to Piastri in the press pen.

Lando Norris owns up to Canadian GP collision

In the closing laps of the Canadian Grand Prix, several different strategies aligned for what promised to be a spicy finish that saw Oscar Piastri hounded from both sides.

Up ahead, the McLaren driver was keen to pass the Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli to secure the final slot of the podium — but he also had to contend with teammate Lando Norris behind him.

Norris had strong momentum and, after getting within DRS range, attempted several passes. On lap 66, he looked set to make it work; the teammates drove alongside each other through several turns, with Piastri getting the edge in the final turn.

But the British racer dipped out quickly, trying to grab an overtake as soon as possible. Unfortunately, his front wing collided with Piastri’s left rear wheel. That wing was ripped off, and Norris smacked into the pit wall before coming to rest shortly after.

He quickly accepted responsibility, saying over the radio, “It’s all my bad, all my fault. Unlucky, sorry. Stupid from me.”

Piastri for his own part, retained his fourth place through to the checkered flag.

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Footage from the media pen after the race shows Norris approach Piastri, saying, “Sorry.”

A smile on his face, Piastri turned to shake Norris’ hand and say, “No, it’s fine. I mean, I ended up alright.”

It was a brief encounter, but one that shines a light on the Briton’s sportsmanship after what must have been a deeply frustrating mistake.

On X, McLaren Racing CEO summed up the Canadian Grand Prix in a few short sentences, writing, “Appreciate the candor, Lando.”

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Norris offered a longer and more public-facing apology.

“No one to blame but myself,” he admitted, “so I apologise to the whole team and to Oscar as well for, yeah — for attempting something probably a bit too silly. Glad I didn’t ruin his race, and again, apologies to the team.”

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has been clear that, with two top-notch drivers battling for position, it was likely that Norris and Piastri would collide with one another sooner or later — but Norris isn’t of a mind that he “got it out of the way.”

“Yeah, but you know, this was just more silly,” he said. “This wasn’t even like a… that’s racing. Silly from my part.”

For his own part, Piastri was willing to let the incident be water under the bridge.

“Obviously it’s not ideal for anyone,” he told Sky Sports.

“I haven’t actually seen the incident, so I don’t know what exactly happened, but yeah, if Lando’s taken full responsibility then that’s how it goes, I guess.

“Just a bit of a tricky race in general, and not an ideal finish.”

Piastri crossed the line in fourth. It was enough for him to retain his lead of the World Drivers’ Championship, with his lead over his teammate extending to 20 points.

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