Oscar Piastri maintained his composure regarding his title bid on Sunday despite receiving a controversial 10-second penalty that dashed his hopes of securing at least a podium finish at the Sao Paulo
Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old Australian finished fifth for McLaren and now trails his team-mate Lando Norris by 24 points, who achieved his second consecutive pole-to-flag victory in the drivers’ title race.
Piastri was penalised after locking up at Turn One while challenging second-placed Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes following a Safety Car restart on lap six. This resulted in contact with Antonelli’s car, which subsequently collided with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, causing Leclerc to lose his front wing and retire from the race.
Piastri emerged in second place close behind Norris but was unable to contend for a top spot due to the penalty, despite leading for nine laps during pit stops.
“I had a very clear opportunity and I went for it,” said Piastri, who had widespread sympathy and support from fellow-drivers including Leclerc.
“The other two drivers on the outside braked quite late. There was obviously a bit of a lock-up into the corner, but that’s because I could see Kimi was not going to give me any space.
“I can’t disappear, but the decision is what it is.”
Who’s Fault Was It Anyway?
Leclerc commented, “Oscar was optimistic, but Kimi knew that Oscar was on the inside I think and he kind of did the corner like Oscar was never there.
“For me, the blame is not all on Oscar. It was optimistic, but this could have been avoided. I’m frustrated. At the end of the day, I’m not angry with any of them. These things happen.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s all of Oscar’s fault, no. I don’t think it is.”
Piastri’s McLaren team boss Andrea Stella stated he needed to review the incident in detail before making any decision about it.
Piastri vowed to continue fighting for the title by doing his best in the final three rounds of the championship in Las Vegas, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
“I’ll just try to get the most out of it as I can,” he said. “I think today the penalty was one thing, but I don’t think the pace was at a level I wanted it to be.
(With inputs from Agencies)
