Oscar Piastri has addressed the controversy surrounding leaked telemetry data from the Canadian Grand Prix, after Max Verstappen accused McLaren of “intentionally” helping Mercedes in the closing stages of the race.

The dramatic race in Montreal ended in heartbreak for Lando Norris, who crashed out during a heated battle with teammate Piastri. But post-race tensions rose even higher when Verstappen suggested that McLaren’s strategy and the subsequent telemetry leak may have played into Mercedes’ hands.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Verstappen said: “The timing of everything was just odd. The way McLaren managed their tyres, then Norris’s incident, and how it ultimately favored Russell — I’m not saying it was planned, but it certainly felt like it helped Mercedes more than anyone else. Then you see all this data flying around. That’s what raised eyebrows.”

Data from Norris’ telemetry — showing his top-speed advantage and slipstream tactics in the final laps — was leaked on social media shortly after the incident. It suggested that Norris had every reason to challenge Piastri for position and was poised for a clean overtake before his late dive into Turn 1 ended his race.

In response to Verstappen’s remarks, Piastri spoke candidly during the FIA post-race press conference: “I saw what was said. Honestly, we were racing each other hard, maybe too hard, but that’s what teammates sometimes do. As for the telemetry, that’s not something I’m concerned about — the data is shared across the paddock and teams know what everyone’s doing. Suggesting we helped another team deliberately? That’s just not how McLaren operates.”

Piastri also took a moment to praise Norris’s speed before the incident: “Lando was flying — I mean, he was one of the fastest out there before the crash. It’s a shame how it ended, but there was no foul play from our side.”

The FIA has since commented on the incident and the broader controversy around data transparency. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The FIA has reviewed available telemetry and car data logs. There is no evidence of rule breaches or intentional misconduct by McLaren or its drivers. Telemetry made public post-race was from standard broadcast feeds and does not represent a breach of sporting regulations.”

Despite the clarification, Verstappen remains wary of what he sees as questionable dynamics on the grid.

“I’m just saying what I felt,” Verstappen added. “When you’re in a title fight, you notice the small things. And sometimes, those small things tell you a lot.”

With tensions running high and the championship gap closing, the rivalry between Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren looks set to intensify — both on and off the track.