Oscar Piastri Under Fire: FIA Stewards Launch Investigation Following Monza Misstep!
In a dramatic twist at the iconic Monza circuit, McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri finds himself in hot water as the FIA stewards have announced an investigation into a serious breach of protocol during the second free practice session of the Italian Grand Prix. This shocking development comes after Piastri allegedly jumped the gun, leaving his pit box prematurely before receiving the all-clear signal following a red flag incident caused by Kimi Antonelli.
The incident, which has sent ripples through the paddock, highlights the intense scrutiny that drivers face in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Piastri’s hasty exit from the pits was promptly noted by officials, who deemed it significant enough to warrant further examination once the session concluded. The stakes are incredibly high: earlier this season, both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli faced similar repercussions in Bahrain, resulting in them being slapped with one-place grid penalties—but those violations occurred during the critical qualifying sessions, not during practice.
The FIA has cited Piastri’s actions as an “alleged breach of Article 12.2.1 i) of the FIA International Sporting Code,” indicating a failure to comply with the Race Director’s Event Notes, specifically item 22.2. The consequences of this investigation could range from a slap on the wrist to more severe penalties, depending on the findings. Fortunately for Piastri, if he is found guilty, he may escape a sporting penalty since the incident unfolded during practice rather than qualifying.
As the clock ticks down, Piastri is expected to face the stewards at 18:20 local time, just twenty minutes after the conclusion of the session, where he will have a chance to defend his actions. Meanwhile, another driver in the spotlight, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, is also facing scrutiny for allegedly overtaking during a yellow flag situation triggered by Antonelli’s incident.
With the pressure mounting and the stakes higher than ever, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this unfolding saga impacts Piastri’s future in the sport. Will he emerge unscathed, or will this miscalculation haunt him as the season progresses? One thing is for certain: the drama at Monza is far from over!