The FIA has officially addressed the controversial penalty handed to Oscar Piastri during the 2025 British Grand Prix, after the McLaren driver was left “confused” and frustrated by what he called an inconsistent application of the rules—especially as Max Verstappen was involved in both incidents but went unpenalized.
Piastri was hit with a 10-second time penalty for what the stewards ruled as “erratic braking” behind the second safety car. In heavy wet conditions, Piastri slowed from 218 kph to just 52 kph, forcing Verstappen—directly behind him—to take evasive action.
The Australian, who had been leading much of the race, was forced to serve the penalty late on, ultimately gifting victory to teammate Lando Norris and settling for second place. As a result, his lead in the Drivers’ Championship was cut to just eight points over Norris.
Speaking after the race, Piastri said:
“I hit the brakes. At the same time I did that, the lights on the safety car went out, which was also extremely late. I didn’t accelerate because I can control the pace from there, and you saw the result. I didn’t do anything differently from my first restart.”
He added:
“I can only comment on what I felt I did, which I felt was well within the rules, and I did it once already in that race. So I don’t really get it. I’m a bit confused, to say the least.”
Piastri also pointed out the inconsistency compared to George Russell, who also braked heavily in a similar scenario behind the first safety car with Verstappen again behind, but received no penalty.
In an official response, the FIA stated: “The stewards reviewed data and onboard footage and determined that the deceleration by Car 81 [Piastri] was excessive in wet conditions and did not align with the expected behavior under the Safety Car. The maneuver led to another car having to take evasive action, triggering a potential safety issue.”
As for Max Verstappen, the FIA confirmed that he would not receive any penalty related to the incidents. “Car 1 [Verstappen] was found to have reacted appropriately and did not initiate any erratic maneuvers. No further action will be taken.”
The ruling has reignited debates about consistency in stewarding decisions, especially after a similar investigation in Canada also involved Verstappen without penalty. Piastri, however, has vowed to “review everything calmly” before Hungary, while Verstappen has yet to comment publicly on the matter.