Oscar Piastri Motivated After ‘Harsh’ Silverstone Penalty, Says McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Oscar Piastri will be even more motivated for the rest of the Formula 1 season after his penalty at the British Grand Prix.

Piastri was leading Max Verstappen under the safety car but was given a ten-second time penalty for “erratic braking” after the Dutch driver was forced to go around the McLaren to avoid contact.

Championship leader Piastri finished 6.812 seconds behind team-mate Lando Norris at Silverstone, which saw the gap between the two drivers cut to just eight points.

Stella called the penalty harsh but expects Piastri to use the setback as motivation going forward.

“I have to say that the penalty was very harsh,” said Stella.

“There are a few things to review, but in itself, now the penalty has been decided and has been served, we move on.

“We will see if there’s anything to learn on our side and I’m sure Oscar will use this motivation for being even more determined for the races to come and try and win as many races as possible.”

Norris’ maiden victory at his home race saw him secure back-to-back wins in F1 for the first time in his career.

He has now won four races this season, one fewer than Piastri, and is aiming for perfection in his chase for the driver’s championship.

“It’s two wins in a row, but they’ve not come easy by any means,” said Norris.

“We’ve had good fights, but they’re pretty strenuous, exhausting weekends because you’re fighting for hundredths and thousandths of a second and you’re fighting for perfection in every session.

“I’m also going up against some pretty good drivers. So, it takes a lot out of you, especially when you have a race like Sunday.”