Oscar Piastri Criticizes F1’s “Embarrassing” Track Limit Decisions After Qualifying Lap Nullification

Oscar Piastri criticizes the "humiliating" F1 track boundaries following the disqualification of his Q3 lap

"All the effort goes into enforcing track limits, adding gravel in areas, and I didn’t even leave the track."

An irritated Oscar Piastri criticized Formula 1's enforcement of track boundaries as "embarrassing" after the qualifying round at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Piastri initially secured the third position in the qualifiers at the Red Bull Ring, but his fastest lap was annulled due to a breach of track limits, resulting in a demotion to seventh place in the standings.

Upon review, footage indicated that Piastri had veered a bit off course at Turn 6, though further views from different cameras made it challenging to ascertain if the McLaren racer indeed went beyond the boundaries of the track.

Before this weekend's race at the Red Bull Ring, officials have implemented notable alterations to the circuit, especially at Turn 9, to address track limit issues by adding a gravel trap and adjusting the kerb.

Following the modifications made to this part of the circuit, Piastri was displeased with the way officials enforced boundaries at Turn 6.

He shared with Sky, expressing his discomfort, "I find it humiliating. We go through efforts to maintain track limits, adding gravel in specific areas, and here I was, not even stepping off the track. I remained within the boundaries. Yet, what I felt was my finest Turn 6, ended up being disqualified."

"I'm puzzled as to why they've poured so much money, possibly reaching into the millions, into altering the final bends when there are still turns where you can veer off. Regardless, while the rest managed to stay on course, I unfortunately did not."

Asked to elaborate on his comment about it being "embarrassing," Piastri explained, "That was my optimum performance at Turn 6. I pushed to the very edge of the track. That's the kind of action everyone looks forward to seeing. Yet, we've exerted so much energy trying to eliminate these issues.

"This corner shouldn't pose a problem regarding track boundaries, particularly when you remain on the track as I did, without veering into the gravel. Clearly, since I'm the only one who has experienced this, I'm likely more outspoken about it at the moment.

"I find it humiliating that we're exerting ourselves to the utmost extent, barely a centimetre away from veering into the gravel and spoiling my lap, yet still, my efforts are nullified."

Several McLaren engineers, along with Piastri’s representative, Mark Webber, were observed analyzing Piastri’s lap following the session.

Sky's Anthony Davidson believed that the external camera footage from Piastri's car did not provide clear evidence.

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