Andrea Stella’s verdict on Oscar Piastri’s radio request at the British Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri dominated the early phases of the chaotic and rain-affected race on Sunday at Silverstone, after overtaking Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.

But his hopes of victory were dashed when he received a 10-second penalty for driving deemed dangerous before a restart under the safety car.

A costly penalty

The championship leader served his penalty during his second pit stop, which dropped him behind his teammate and title rival, Lando Norris, who then went on to secure his first victory on home soil.

When coming out behind Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri then made a mischievous suggestion to his team over the radio: « I don’t think the previous penalty was very fair. I know it’s a big ask, but if you also think it wasn’t fair, I think we should swap positions and fight. »

The request was ultimately rejected, even though McLaren acknowledged that the penalty imposed on the Australian was very severe.

« We always tell our drivers: don’t keep anything to yourself when you are on track, » said Andrea Stella on Sunday evening.

« If you have a remark, a suggestion, an opinion, express it. Then, we will evaluate the feedback, make a decision, and get back to you. What Oscar did is exactly what we expect from our pilots: he communicated, he expressed his opinion, which we then reviewed. »

Andrea Stella added: « The way we managed the situation today was clear: in case of a safety car, Oscar would have kept the lead. Both cars would have pitted, Oscar would have served his penalty, Lando would have waited, and both McLarens would have rejoined in the same order. »

« But when it was time to switch to slick tires, Oscar served his penalty. From that point on, we simply felt it was necessary to respect the natural order. I think it was fair for both, and I’m sure Oscar will understand and agree with this logic », he explains.

Oscar Piastri knew that his request wasn’t fair for Lando Norris.

Oscar Piastri, whose lead in the championship has shrunk to only eight points after two consecutive defeats to Lando Norris, admitted that his request was not going to succeed.

« I told myself that I was going to try my luck, » he confided after the race. « I already knew what the answer would be, but I was just hoping for a small chance that it would work. But no, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. »

« I don’t think I was wrong to ask. Lando didn’t do anything wrong, so I don’t think it would have been very fair to swap our positions. »