The Stewards deemed that Kevin Magnussen was “unnecessarily impeded” by the McLaren driver.
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Oscar Piastri has been handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Kevin Magnussen in the first qualifying session on Saturday. The decision came two hours after the Australian’s best qualifying performance of the season. Piastri had managed to put his McLaren in 2nd place to start alongside pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
Both Piastri and Magnussen, along with their team representatives, were summoned to the stewards following the session to give their version of events.
Piastri had been leaving the pits, before impeding Magnussen at the chicane at Turns 2 and 3. Piastri explained he couldn’t see the Haas due to the layout of that section of the track. This is something that Magnussen also acknowledged.
The incident completely ruined the Dane’s final flying lap, as he pushed to try and get himself out of the knockout zone and into Q2. Instead, Magnussen had to settle for 18th
The Stewards Decision
The stewards concluded that whilst Piastri tried to get clear as quickly as possible, McLaren did not give their driver adequate warning that a faster car was approaching. It was noted that other drivers had been warned “significantly earlier” of approaching cars.
The penalty means that Oscar Piastri will now start from 5th on the grid. Teammate Lando Norris has been promoted to the front row alongside Max Verstappen as a result. Charles Leclerc will now start from 3rd, and Carlos Sainz will start from 4th.
Both McLarens have shown good pace this weekend, but it can be difficult to overtake at Imola. Piastri will have to work hard if he wants to get back up to the podium positions in Sunday’s race.
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