McLaren driver Piastri rues Sao Paulo penalty

Oscar Piastri remained stoical about his title bid on Sunday after being handed a controversial 10-second penalty that wrecked his hopes of at least a podium finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. 

The 24-year-old Australian finished fifth for McLaren and is now 24 points adrift of team-mate Lando Norris, who claimed his second consecutive pole to flag victory, in the drivers’ title race.

He was given his penalty after he locked up at Turn One as he attacked second-placed Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes after a Safety Car re-start on lap six. 

Piastri made contact with Antonelli’s car which in turn banged across Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, causing him to lose his front wing and retire from the race. 

He emerged in second place close behind Norris, but was unable – despite nine laps in the lead during the pit-stops – to challenge for a top spot because of his penalty. 

“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.”

Leclerc said: “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 said he needed to review the incident in detail before making any decision about it. 

Piastri said he would continue to fight 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.