McLaren consider Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli may have executed extra to keep away from the three-way conflict involving Oscar Piastri within the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Piastri was hit with a 10-second time penalty for knocking Antonelli into Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc as he dived into second place following a Security Automobile restart on Lap 6.
Leclerc was worn out within the three-way collision after selecting up substantial harm to his Ferrari, whereas Piastri and Antonelli had been capable of proceed within the race.
Antonelli went on to say second, whereas Piastri needed to settle with fifth as he fell 24 factors behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris with three rounds remaining within the title race.
The FIA stewards deemed Piastri “wholly accountable” for the collision however McLaren workforce principal Andrea Stella felt Antonelli was equally in charge.
“When it comes to the penalty, I might say that was positively on the tough facet,” Stella mentioned. “Oscar it is true we see a bit of lock-up, however on the identical time he is capable of keep the trajectory, which is in the end what counts.
“I believe the duty ought to be shared with Kimi, as a result of Kimi form of knew that Oscar was on the within and the collision most likely may have been prevented; maybe Kimi was additionally frightened of getting Leclerc on the skin – a troublesome state of affairs, clearly.
“However I believe total the penalty is harsh for Oscar, to be thought of absolutely in charge for this incident. On the identical time now it is executed, so I reiterate the respect that we now have for the stewards, we settle for it, we transfer on.”
McLaren boss Zak Brown, who was not on the bottom in Brazil, described the penalty as “harsh” in a submit on social media.
Leclerc was compelled to retire
Leclerc additionally blames Antonelli
Piastri disagreed with the penalty and pleaded his innocence, whereas Leclerc additionally felt Antonelli was simply as a lot in charge.
“I believe truly Kimi was as a lot in charge as Oscar,” Leclerc mentioned after retiring from the race.
“For me, it was a little bit of a 50/50 incident, Oscar being a bit optimistic and Kimi doing the nook like Oscar was by no means there, so meaning they collided after which touched me.
“For me, the blame is just not all on Oscar. Sure, it was optimistic, however this might have been prevented and I’m annoyed.
“On the finish of the day, I’m not indignant with Oscar or Kimi; these items occur. However I wouldn’t go so far as saying it was all Oscar’s fault as a result of I don’t assume it’s.”
Antonelli confirmed regret for ending Leclerc’s race however insisted he couldn’t see the Monegasque in his mirrors.
“It was a troublesome place with one automobile on the skin and one automobile on the within,” Antonelli mentioned.
“I attempted to brake late, not too late, and drawback is I did not see the automobile subsequent to me anymore. I attempt to do a good line for the place I used to be and ended up getting hit.
“I used to be fortunate to return away like that, as a result of I hit fairly arduous Charles. Sadly I ended his race.”
