The FIA rejected McLaren’s objection to Piastri’s track limits violation.
The FIA announced that McLaren’s objection to Oscar Piastri’s track limits violation during qualifying for the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix is not acceptable.
Piastri had his final Q3 lap invalidated for exceeding track limits at Turn 6, which he described as “humiliating,” considering that the gravel areas at the corner were deemed ineffective by the decision.
Instead, the light blue line between the edge of the track and the curb was used, and Piastri’s violation resulted in him dropping to seventh place in Saturday’s qualifying session.
McLaren chose to challenge the decision with the FIA, with team principal Andrea Stella arguing (via Autosport) that “I cannot state with confidence that the standard beyond reasonable doubt has been met.”
Stella pointed out that the evidence presented to make the decision did not clearly prove a track limits violation.
“In this case, everything is blurred and affected by shade,” he said.
“It’s quite difficult to come here, compete, do 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 decided not to reverse its actions, meaning Piastri will start the race from seventh place on Sunday.
The FIA stated that the objection, which was submitted in writing along with a €2000 deposit to the Race Director instead of the Stewards, “did not specify the relevant regulations” and “did not specify who the objection was made against.”
These three factors violated the “necessary criteria for the acceptability of an objection,” as noted by the FIA.
Furthermore, since the exclusion of the lap time was a decision made by the Race Commissioners, it was not subject 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 their deposit for the objection.
