Piastri keeps calm after penalty

OSCAR Piastri remained stoical about his title bid after being handed a controversial 10-second penalty that wrecked his hopes of at least a podium finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday night.

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The 24-year-old Australian finished fifth for McLaren and is now 24 points adrift of teammate Lando Norris, who claimed his second consecutive pole to flag victory, in the drivers’ title race.

He was given his penalty after he locked up at Turn 1 as he attacked second-placed Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes after a safety car restart on lap six. Piastri made contact with Antonelli’s car which in turn banged across Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, causing him to lose his front wing and retire from the race.

He emerged in second place close behind Norris, but was unable - despite nine laps in the lead during the pit-stops - to challenge for a top spot because of his penalty.

“I had a very clear opportunity and I went for it,” said Piastri, who had widespread sympathy and support from fellow-drivers including Leclerc.