FIA reach verdict over Piastri and Russell Dutch GP pit-lane incident

Oscar Piastri and McLaren went to see the Dutch Grand Prix stewards following a pit-lane incident during FP2. McLaren came out with lighter pockets.

The scene saw both Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell narrowly avoid contact during the second practice session, with the FIA stewards determining that further investigation was required following the session. Their decision was to fine McLaren €5,000.

FIA fine McLaren over Oscar Piastri and George Russell incident

Alex Albon’s trip into the barriers at Turn 1 triggered the red flags, but there was also drama in the pit lane.

As the cars returned to their garages, Piastri swung the nose of his McLaren left ahead of veering into his pit box. That so nearly saw him collect George Russell in the Mercedes.

Both drivers escaped contact, but the stewards confirmed a post-session investigation of the incident.

The end result was a fine for McLaren, the team admitting to not giving Piastri the correct warning of Russell’s presence.

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The verdict reads: “The stewards heard from the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), team representative and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.

“Car 81 attempted to leave the fast lane and enter its pit box during a red flag period in Free Practice 2. As Car 81 approached the pit box, the entry was blocked by team personnel pushing a rear jack. Another team member signalled Car 81 to go around him to the next pit area which he did. In doing so, he turned back briefly within the fast lane and thereafter entered the pit box.

“All of this resulted in Car 63 having to brake heavily and take evasive action. No collision was caused, however, the situation could have resulted in one. It could also have resulted in injury to one or more team personnel in the pit lane.

“The team acknowledged that the driver was not warned and also recognised that they could have managed the situation better. We agreed that the team should have taken more care in managing the entry of Car 81 into the pit box.

“Although we issued the summons based on Article 55.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, we felt that Article 12.2.1.h better reflected the infringement by the team in this instance.

“We therefore imposed a fine of €5,000 under that Article.”

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