Oscar Piastri received a three-position grid penalty for the Italian GP of Formula 1 after the stewards concluded that the Australian hindered Liam Lawson during qualifying in Monza. The decision directly affects the result of the McLaren driver, who had finished the session in third.
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The FIA analyzed positioning system data, videos, timing, telemetry, team radio, and onboard images before making the decision. According to the document, Piastri was warned upon leaving the pits that Verstappen and Lawson were approaching, but he was not informed that both were on flying laps.
Upon noticing Verstappen approaching on a flying lap attempt, Piastri significantly reduced speed and stayed to the right to allow the Dutchman to pass. The problem came right behind: Lawson was very close, and the Australian ended up with no space to avoid impeding the Red Bull car.
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The stewards acknowledged that, given the information Piastri had at that moment, he practically had no other alternative. Still, they considered that Lawson was impeded involuntarily and unnecessarily, classifying the case as a violation of article B4.1.1 of the F1 regulations.
Therefore, the FIA applied the standard penalty of losing three grid positions at the next race in which Piastri participates. The document also reminds that competitors have the right to appeal certain decisions within the deadlines provided by the International Sporting Code and FIA judicial rules.
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