Breaking:Late penalty:FIA Slaps Oscar Piastri with 10-Second Pe

Breaking:Late penalty:FIA Slaps Oscar Piastri with 10-Second Penalty After Cl… read more

Barcelona, June 1, 2025 — A major development has rocked the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix as McLaren driver Oscar Piastri was handed a 10-second time penalty by the FIA following an incident involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The penalty, which came after a thorough investigation by the race stewards, stems from a mid-race collision between the two drivers that significantly influenced the race’s dynamics and standings.

The clash unfolded around the halfway mark of the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Piastri, who had been showing strong pace throughout the weekend, was involved in a wheel-to-wheel battle with Verstappen as the two contested a podium position. As they approached Turn 5, Piastri attempted a daring move on the inside line. However, slight contact between the cars caused Verstappen to momentarily lose control, veering off track and losing valuable time.

Immediately after the incident, both teams voiced concerns over the radio. Red Bull was quick to demand a review, arguing that Piastri’s move was overly aggressive and lacked sufficient room for Verstappen. McLaren, on the other hand, defended their driver, maintaining that it was a fair racing move and part of the intense on-track competition fans have come to expect from Formula 1.

The FIA stewards launched an investigation and, after reviewing telemetry data, onboard footage, and team radio communications, concluded that Piastri was “predominantly at fault” for the collision. As a result, they imposed a 10-second time penalty on the Australian driver, dealing a blow to McLaren’s hopes of a strong finish in Barcelona.

“The stewards determined that Car 81 (Piastri) caused a collision with Car 1 (Verstappen),” read the official statement from the FIA. “While both drivers were engaged in close racing, Car 81 made a late move which failed to provide sufficient space, resulting in contact.”

The penalty had an immediate impact on the final race classification. While Piastri had initially crossed the line in 4th place, the 10-second addition dropped him down the order, promoting several drivers behind him. Verstappen, meanwhile, managed to recover some lost ground, but the incident likely cost him a potential podium finish.

Speaking after the race, Piastri expressed disappointment at the decision but remained composed. “It was a racing incident in my eyes. I saw a gap and went for it — that’s what we’re here to do. Obviously, the stewards saw it differently, and I respect their decision, even if I don’t agree with it entirely.”

Verstappen, who was visibly frustrated after the race, kept his comments measured but firm. “It’s unfortunate. I think I gave enough space, but it’s hard to fight when you’re being squeezed like that. The penalty was justified in my view, but these things happen in racing.”

Team principals from both McLaren and Red Bull were also seen in discussion with FIA officials post-race, underscoring the incident’s seriousness and potential implications for the championship standings.

The 2025 season has already proven to be one of the most tightly contested in recent years, and incidents like this only add to the drama and unpredictability. With several more races still to go, tensions are likely to rise further as the top teams and drivers jostle for supremacy.

As Formula 1 leaves Spain and prepares for the next round of the championship, all eyes will be on how McLaren and Red Bull respond — both on and off the track. One thing is clear: the battle for the 2025 title is far from over.