Oscar Piastri did not receive a penalty following a close call with George Russell during the second practice session of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The incident, which unfolded in the pitlane under a red flag, involved a risky maneuver that nearly led to contact between the two drivers. The clash revolved around an unexpected change in direction by Piastri during a routine pit stop, prompting a review by the stewards.
Unexpected Maneuver in the Pitlane Creates Hazardous Situation
As the second red flag interrupted Friday’s session—triggered by Alex Albon’s Williams stopping at Turn 1—the field made its way back to the pits. Piastri, seeking to enter his pit box, was initially directed past his garage and then attempted to return briefly to the fast lane before parking. This unusual move caused Russell to brake sharply and take evasive action to avoid contact. The Mercedes driver confessed he was caught off guard by Piastri’s sudden change of course.
I think he pulled in a bit too early, pulled back out, so just a bit unfortunate, but it scared me a bit,
George Russell said.
When you’re on track you’re sort of ready for anything, but when you’re in the pitlane going relatively very slow, you’re just chilling out. I was looking at my screen, I was like, ‘oh Jesus!’ – yeah, caught me by surprise.
—George Russell, Mercedes
Stewards Acknowledge Team Error but Impose Only a Fine on McLaren
The race stewards investigated the event thoroughly, examining footage from multiple cameras along with radio communications and statements from Piastri and McLaren team representatives. Their report noted that Piastri’s initial attempt to enter the pit box was obstructed by team personnel operating equipment, prompting him to move around and briefly re-enter the fast lane. This action generated a hazardous situation causing Russell to react suddenly. Although no contact occurred, the potential for injury to personnel and drivers was clear.
The stewards determined that McLaren had failed to provide sufficient warning to their driver regarding the pitlane conditions. The official report stated that while Piastri did not drive erratically, the event fell under an unsafe act due to insufficient team management of the pit lane entry.
We therefore imposed a fine of €5,000 under that Article.
The fine related to Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, reflecting the team‘s responsibility to manage pitlane safety. The stewards acknowledged McLaren’s admission that the warning given to Piastri was inadequate and noted the team could have handled the situation more carefully to avoid placing personnel and drivers at risk.
Implications of the Incident and What Lies Ahead
The episode at the Dutch Grand Prix highlights the critical need for precise communication and management during pit stops, especially under unusual circumstances like red flags. Piastri, a young Australian driver, escaped a harsher penalty but the incident serves as a reminder of the tight margins and hazards present in Formula 1 pitlanes. George Russell’s near miss underscores how quickly situations can escalate amid the confined space and constant activity.
With McLaren receiving only a monetary fine, the team will likely review and adjust its pitlane protocols to enhance safety and avoid similar occurrences in the future. For Piastri, maintaining composure and clearer coordination with his crew will be vital as he continues to navigate the pressures of a competitive F1 weekend.
