Antonelli equally to blame for Piastri clash in F1 Brazil GP - McLaren

McLaren Formula 1 boss Andrea Stella reckons Oscar Piastri received a “harsh” penalty during the Brazil Grand Prix - claiming Andrea Kimi Antonelli was equally to blame. 

Piastri was hit with an extra 10 seconds at Interlagos after knocking Antonelli into Charles Leclerc when he took second down the inside of Turn 1 with the cars three-wide. 

Stewards said the McLaren driver was “wholly responsible for the collision” because Piastri wasn’t fully alongside Antonelli and noted that he also locked up in the process.

But Piastri has since disagreed with the decision as has Leclerc, who said the Mercedes rookie “did the corner like Oscar was never there” which is a verdict echoed by Stella.

“In terms of the penalty, I would say that was definitely on the harsh side,” he said. “Oscar it's true we see a little lock-up, but at the same time he's able to maintain the trajectory which is ultimately what counts.

“I think the responsibility should be shared with Kimi, because Kimi kind of knew that Oscar was on the inside and the collision probably could have been avoided, perhaps Kimi was also worried of having Leclerc on the outside - a difficult situation, obviously.

Andrea Stella, McLaren

Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images

“But I think overall the penalty is harsh for Oscar, to be considered fully to blame for this incident. At the same time now it's done, so I reiterate the respect that we have for the stewards, we accept it, we move on.”

Piastri consequently finished fifth while team-mate and title rival Lando Norris won from pole, meaning the Briton now has a 24-point championship lead with three rounds remaining. 

It has been a remarkable turnaround from Norris, who had a 34-point deficit after Zandvoort but in the six grands prix since he has claimed two wins and three additional podiums - compared to no victories and just one podium for Piastri. 

So when asked if it is now Norris’ title to lose, Stella said: “For me the only way I look at the classification is to go one race at a time and make sure that we maximise the points we score.

“While it could be a good exercise to talk about Formula 1, which is fair, to look at the combination, it's now a championship that Lando owns, he doesn't own, it's so academic, like we... we, from a driver's point of view, team point of view, we just have to make sure that we stay focused on ourselves and focused on executing weekends like Lando has executed here in Brazil or in Mexico.

“And for instance with Oscar, make sure that our opportunities are capitalised. Honestly, when it comes to the points we will take a look at the end of Vegas and we will see where we are and likewise after Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”