McLaren's hopes for a strong start at the Singapore Grand Prix have been dealt a significant blow after rookie sensation Oscar Piastri was slapped with a grid penalty for impeding a rival during a dramatic qualifying session.
The Australian driver was found to have unnecessarily obstructed AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda in the first segment of qualifying (Q1). The stewards' investigation concluded that Piastri, who was on a slow lap, impeded Tsunoda who was on a flying lap at Turn 12, ruining the Japanese driver's crucial attempt.
Stewards' Verdict Sees Piastri Demoted
Following a review of the incident and hearing from both drivers, the race officials handed down a three-place grid drop. Piastri will now start the race from a lower position than his qualifying pace deserved. In addition to the penalty, the McLaren driver also received one penalty point on his FIA super licence.
The stewards' statement noted: "Although the Team attempted to warn Piastri of the approaching car of Tsunoda, the warning was too late and Piastri was unable to take appropriate action to avoid impeding Tsunoda. Accordingly, the standard penalty for unnecessary impeding is a drop of 3 grid places."
A Costly Blow for McLaren's Charge
The penalty is a major setback for the Woking-based team, which had shown impressive pace around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Piastri had looked strong throughout practice and qualifying, with the car seemingly well-suited to the high-downforce demands of the Singapore track.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the intense pressure and split-second decisions required in Formula 1 qualifying, where track position is at a premium and traffic management is crucial. The narrow, twisting nature of the Marina Bay circuit makes it particularly susceptible to such impeding incidents.
All eyes will now be on how Piastri can recover from the back of the grid in what is expected to be a gruelling and physically demanding night race under the Singapore lights.
