McLaren disputes qualifying results
Earlier this evening, the FIA announced that McLaren was appealing the qualifying results. The starting grid is therefore not definitive.
It’s not over. Nearly three hours after the end of the qualifications, the result of this session could change. McLaren has indeed lodged a complaint with the FIA regarding the result of the latter.
The British team questions the decision of the governing body which canceled Oscar Piastri’s time at the very end of the session. A situation that pushed the number 81 driver from third to seventh place.
The Australian saw his best time being removed for running too wide at turn number six. But McLaren is asking the authorities for a clear image where their protege is technically off the track. The FIA evidently could not provide it. Hence the team’s decision to appeal.
We filed a complaint, but there has not been a hearing yet because we want the opportunity to continue this conversation. Our approach to racing means that we do not want to suffer what we do not deserve. When the penalty is so severe, clear evidence is needed in the interest of the sport, not McLaren’s, said Andrea Stella, the team principal of McLaren.
« We asked for a clarification, particularly because we wanted to see evidence that the car was beyond the track limits when there is reasonable doubt. I can’t say that this doubt is satisfactory. There are principles. One is that the system used must provide an appropriate resolution; the other is that the methodology used for one car must apply to all others. If a helicopter view is used for one car, it must be done when possible for all cars. »
The FIA must therefore work on this matter. Who could therefore restore Oscar Piastri’s third place. Also, the stewards must examine a radio message from Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver insulted his competitors in Q1 and could therefore be penalized.
