Oscar Piastri baffled as Charles Leclerc avoids penalty in Belgian GP

Oscar Piastri stunned by Leclerc’s penalty-free contact in Belgian GP

Oscar Piastri was left baffled on Sunday after Charles Leclerc avoided punishment for contact during the Belgian Grand Prix. The stewards took no action despite the Ferrari driver’s late move on Piastri’s McLaren.

What happened in Belgium?

The incident occurred on lap 22 at Eau Rouge, where Leclerc clipped Piastri’s rear wing while defending his position. Piastri lost time and later admitted he was surprised by the lack of penalty. The stewards reviewed the move but ruled it a racing incident.

Why it matters for Oscar Piastri

For Piastri, the missed penalty highlights McLaren’s ongoing frustration with inconsistent stewarding. The team has pushed for clearer guidelines after multiple close calls went unpunished this season. Piastri’s race ended in retirement after a separate collision, but the Leclerc contact left him questioning the rules.

What comes next?

McLaren will likely raise the issue with the FIA ahead of the next race. Piastri’s team-mate Lando Norris finished sixth, while Leclerc recovered to eighth after the contact. The stewards’ decision adds fuel to debates over race control in F1.

The Belgian GP took place on 28 July 2025.