Piastri cops penalty over blunder that left rival fuming
Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri received a three-place grid penalty for the Italian Grand Prix after impeding Liam Lawson during qualifying. Despite the penalty, Piastri qualified third, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly secured his first-ever pole position.
Why it matters
Grid penalties significantly impact race strategy and championship standings in Formula 1, making this a key development for the upcoming Grand Prix.
Sport Motorsport Formula 1 Piastri cops penalty over blunder that left rival fuming Zachary Gates September 5, 2026 - 10.54pm
shares Share article Australia’s Oscar Piastri will start in sixth on the grid at the Italian Grand Prix after copping a three-place penalty for impeding Kiwi Liam Lawson.
In a qualifying that saw Alpine driver Pierre Gasly grab his maiden Formula 1 pole, Piastri qualified as the third-fastest but was relegated to sixth for obstructing Lawson while emerging from the pits.
Oscar Piastri impeding Liam Lawson. Sky Sport
Mercedes’ George Russell will start in second on the grid, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc beginning in third, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton fourth and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fifth.
A dawdling Piastri ended up in the path of Lawson as the Racing Bulls driver navigated the first chicane on his final flying lap of qualifying two.
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