'Embarrassing' penalty remains: Piastri in seventh

McLaren have failed in their protest against Oscar Piastri's penalty the evening before the Austrian Grand Prix. The Australian had initially qualified third on the grid, but his fastest lap was disallowed by the FIA ​​stewards. The allegation: Piastri was said to have exceeded a track limit and thus gained an advantage.

After two and a half hours of qualifying, the team lodged a formal protest, and later in the evening the FIA ​​dismissed the complaint. Piastri will start the race on Sunday (3pm Sky time) from seventh, and is therefore far from the top, with team-mate Lando Norris having to chase down world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull from second place alone.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “Normally we are very supportive of the FIA, and we are always aware that everyone there is doing their best. But in this case, we do not agree to the car crossing the limits of the track without any restrictions.” Overcome all doubt.”

The driver himself described the penalty as “embarrassing” for Formula 1: “We are driving at the limit at this point. If I go out further, I will end up in the gravel and the lap will be ruined anyway.