Tensions are rising ahead of the Singapore GP as Oscar Piastri playfully teased Max Verstappen, following the Dutch driver’s accusations that McLaren had gained an unfair advantage in recent races. Verstappen’s comments came after McLaren’s controversial rear wing was scrutinized by the FIA, though no illegalities were found.

The conflict began after McLaren’s impressive performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Piastri secured victory, fending off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Questions about McLaren’s rear wing arose when footage revealed a flexing motion at high speeds, potentially giving Piastri an edge on the straights. While the FIA cleared McLaren of any rule violations, the team was asked to modify the rear wing to limit its movement in future races.

Max Verstappen, not one to shy away from controversy, hinted that McLaren’s engineering might be bending the rules. “It’s not the first time we’ve seen teams pushing the boundaries, but this feels a little too far,” Verstappen said, stirring the pot even more.

However, Oscar Piastri, known for his calm demeanor, responded with humor. “Max seems worried about losing his title. I guess when you’re leading the championship, anything that looks fast suddenly feels like a threat,” Piastri quipped during the pre-race press conference. “But if he’s nervous about the rear wing, maybe he should focus on his own car instead of ours.”

The FIA has maintained that while McLaren’s rear wing wasn’t illegal, adjustments would be made to ensure compliance with future technical standards. McLaren CEO Zak Brown also backed the team, stating, “We’re proud of our engineering, and everything we’ve done is within the rules. We’re here to compete, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.”

With the Singapore GP just around the corner, all eyes will be on McLaren and Verstappen as the battle for the championship intensifies. Piastri’s playful jab has only added to the anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling weekend.