Oscar Piastri: deleted qualifying lap "embarrassing" for F1 after Austria incident

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Piastri criticizes track limit decision during Austrian GP qualifying.

Spielberg, Austria – In a weekend full of exhilarating racing and strategic gambles, the issue of track limits reared its contentious head once more during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying. Oscar Piastri, the young McLaren driver, found himself at the heart of the discussion as his fastest lap was controversially deleted, a move he described as "embarrassing" for Formula One.

During his final attempt in Q3, Piastri pushed the limits of his McLaren around Turn Six, brushing the gravel with his right-side tires while his left tires tipped just past the white line. Initially, his lap placed him third on the leaderboard, but moments later, race stewards annulled his time, relegating him to his previous lap score, which positioned him only seventh overall.

Reflecting on the incident, Piastri stated, "From where I was sitting, I thought I was in. Obviously, quite frustrating." His frustration echoed the sentiments from last year’s race, where a dozen penalties were handed out hours post-race due to track limits infractions, compelling the FIA to collaborate with the circuit to introduce gravel strips as a deterrent.

Piastri further emphasized his point, arguing that the existing gravel trap should serve as the natural boundary of the track. "For me, it's embarrassing. We do all this work for track limits, put gravel in in places, and I didn't even go off the track," he asserted. "I stayed on the track, probably my best Turn Six, and it gets deleted."

Questioning the substantial investment into track alterations, he continued, "I mean, I don't know why they've spent hundreds of thousands, if not millions, trying to change the last two corners when you still have corners you can go off."

Piastri's condemned the stringent implementation of track limits, noting, "I was right to the limit of the track, I think that's what everyone wants to see. There is no reason this corner should be an issue for track limits, especially when you stay on the track like I did. Or not in the gravel."

While Piastri's viewpoint sparks vital debate about track regulations and their impact on racing excitement, it also underscores the fine line drivers navigate between precision and overstepping limits. As the conversation around track boundaries continues, the FIA and circuits may need to reassess their approach to ensure clarity and fairness for all competitors.

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