McLaren has publicly addressed the contentious 10-second penalty imposed on Oscar Piastri following the chaotic events of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Australian’s championship ambitions suffered a severe setback on Interlagos’ slippery surface, as an early collision with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli triggered a chain reaction affecting multiple competitors. The incident not only disrupted Piastri’s rhythm but also ended Charles Leclerc’s race after his Ferrari sustained critical suspension and tyre damage.
The stewards’ decision to assign full responsibility to Piastri resulted in the penalty being served during his first pit stop on Lap 39, simultaneously adding two penalty points to his licence. This demotion saw the young McLaren driver fall from second to fifth, further widening the gap in the Drivers’ Championship. Piastri reflected candidly on the incident, noting that a strong Safety Car restart and a committed attempt at the inside line collided with a slight lock-up, leaving him little room to maneuver.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella responded to the situation with measured pragmatism. While expressing respect for the stewards’ judgment, he emphasized the importance of internal reflection on both car performance and race strategy. Stella highlighted the need to maximize Piastri’s strengths across all conditions, particularly under low-grip scenarios that challenge his natural driving style.
Stella acknowledged that weekend execution, including Piastri’s sprint crash and the penalty-laden Grand Prix, warranted a thorough review. However, he stressed that this analysis would be conducted rationally rather than in haste, aiming to identify areas where the team could have better supported the young driver. The focus remains on leveraging Piastri’s formidable talent while mitigating the factors that have hindered his performance in recent races.
Despite the setback, McLaren retains confidence in Piastri’s potential to rebound. Stella’s statement underscored that the team views these obstacles as opportunities for growth, both for the driver and the squad. By systematically refining racecraft, strategy, and adaptability, McLaren intends to harness Piastri’s capabilities to their fullest, keeping their championship aspirations alive as the season approaches its critical final stages.
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