The FIA has dismissed McLaren’s objection to Piastri’s violation of track limits
The FIA has announced that McLaren’s objection to Oscar Piastri’s violation of track limits during qualifying for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix is not acceptable.
Piastri had his final Q3 lap invalidated for crossing the track limits at Turn 6, which he described as “humiliating,” considering that the gravel traps at the corner were rendered ineffective by the ruling.
Instead, the light blue line between the edge of the track and the curbing was utilized, and Piastri’s violation resulted in him dropping to seventh place in Saturday’s qualifying session.
McLaren chose to object to the decision with the FIA, with Team Principal Andrea Stella arguing (via Autosport) that “I cannot confidently say that the beyond reasonable doubt standard has been met.”
Stella pointed out that the evidence provided to make the decision did not clearly prove a violation of track limits.
“In this case, everything is blurred and affected by the shadow,” he said.
“It’s quite a lot to come here, compete, put together qualifying laps, and when the penalty is so severe, like having the lap invalidated, then we need to ensure that the penalty is imposed without any doubt.”
However, despite McLaren’s objection, the FIA has decided not to reverse its actions, meaning Piastri will start the race from seventh on Sunday.
The FIA stated that the objection, which was submitted in writing along with a €2000 deposit to the Clerk of the Course instead of the Stewards, “did not specify the relevant regulations” and “did not specify against whom the objection was made.”
These three factors violated the “required criteria for the acceptability of an objection,” as noted by the FIA.
Furthermore, since the deletion of the lap time was a decision made by the Race Stewards, it was not open to objection according to Article 12.3.3 of the FIA International Sporting Code.
Therefore, not only will Piastri have to start Sunday’s race from seventh place on the grid, but McLaren will also lose its deposit for the objection.