Piastri Reprimanded for Pit Lane Misstep in Monza FP2

Oscar Piastri has been reprimanded during Italian Grand Prix FP2 for a pit lane protocol breach, a decision that highlights the nuanced application of F1 rules.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the strict protocols surrounding red flag procedures in Formula 1. While Piastri received a reprimand, similar infractions earlier this season resulted in grid penalties, prompting scrutiny over stewarding consistency.

The details

• The Incident: During Friday's second practice session in Monza, a red flag was deployed after Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli spun into the gravel. Following this, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri joined the pit exit queue too early, before official confirmation of the session's restart time.
• Detection: Red Bull's Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, quickly flagged the breach over team radio, noting Piastri had left without the resumption time.
• McLaren's Defense: Summoned to the stewards, McLaren admitted they had reacted to a 'track clear' message rather than waiting for the official restart notification.
• Stewards' Decision: The stewards accepted McLaren's explanation and issued a reprimand. They noted that because the error occurred in free practice, no significant sporting advantage was gained, justifying a softer stance compared to qualifying incidents.

Context

This ruling contrasts with earlier decisions this year. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli and George Russell each received one-place grid penalties for a nearly identical error during qualifying.

Another incident

Separately, Gabriel Bortoleto was cleared of wrongdoing after overtaking Liam Lawson under yellow flags. Stewards determined he had insufficient time to react and that his view was obstructed, ruling that despite a breach, no penalty was necessary.