Official: President of FIA explains 3 reasons for the punishment of Oscar Pistri in Silverstone “he cheated, but could not fool us” !!
In a dramatic turnaround at the Silverstone Grand Prix, the FIA applied a severe penalty to McLaren’s rising star Oscar Pistri, following a controversial incident that shocked Formula 1 community. FIA President Mohammed Ben Suulayem went to the press at a press conference, highlighting three crucial reasons behind the decision to penalize the young Australian. With a bold statement, Ben Suulayem stated: “He cheated, but could not deceive us,” emphasizing FIA’s commitment to maintaining justice and integrity in sports. The announcement generated heated debates between fans, teams and analysts, as the reasoning behind the penalty sheds light on the complexities of modern formula 1 races.
The first reason cited by the FIA focuses on the alleged violation of the boundaries of the track by Pistri during a crucial overtaking in the race. According to Ben Suulayem, telemetry data and onboard images revealed that Pastri consistently exceeded the lane boundaries in specific curves, gaining a significant advantage over his competitors. This violation of the regulations, argued the FIA, directly impacted the result of the race, as it allowed Pistri to ensure a position that it might not have achieved otherwise. Advanced FIA monitoring systems, including GPS tracking and video analysis, left no room for contestation, as the evidence was clear. Ben Suulayem emphasized that such actions undermine the spirit of fair competition and that the penalty was necessary to maintain the credibility of the sport.
The second reason for the penalty involves the use of Pastri than the FIA described as “unauthorized technical modifications” in its car. Although specific details remain confidential, Ben Sulayem hinted uncovered irregularities during post-misquine inspections. The FIA technical team found components at McLaren de Pastri that were not in accordance with the 2025 season regulation, potentially improving car performance beyond legal limits. This revelation caused surprise, as McLaren has long been considered a team that operates within the limits of the rules. Pastri’s FIA decision reflects its zero tolerance policy regarding technical infractions, regardless of the reputation of the team.
The third and perhaps more controversial reason concerns Pastri’s conduct during the investigation process. Ben Suulayem revealed that Pastri made inconsistent statements when asked about the incidents, which Fia interpreted as an attempt to deceive the authorities. This lack of transparency aggravated the situation, as the FIA values the honesty and cooperation of pilots during investigations. The combination of these three factors – violations of track limits, technical irregularities and evasive behavior – resulted in a penalty that many considered severe, but justified by the FIA standards.
The penalty itself, an increase of 10 seconds in time and a deduction of points in the championship, significantly impacted Piostri’s position in the pilot championship. McLaren has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the evidence is inconclusive and the disproportionate punishment. Team director Zak Brown defended Pastri, stating that the young rider was unaware of any technical problems and that the team assumes full responsibility for ensuring compliance with regulations. However, the FIA remains firm, with Ben Sulayem stating that the regulatory body’s decision is final and serves as an alert to the others.
The consequences of this incident have generated a wave of opinions in the Formula 1 community. Pastri fans argue that punishment is excessively severe, pointing to its inexperience and the pressure to compete at the highest level. Others, however, believe that FIA actions are necessary to avoid a culture of disrespect for rules in a sport where accuracy and justice are paramount. Social media platforms, in particular the X, were flooded with reactions, ranging from support for Pastri to compliments to FIA vigilance. One user posted: “Pistri’s talent is undeniable, but rules are rules. FIA had no choice.” Another replied, “This looks like a witch hunt. Oscar is being used as an example.”
The incident also raises broader questions about the growing scrutiny of pilots in the modern era of Formula 1. With advanced technology and data analysis, the ability of the FIA to detect violations has never been so strong. However, this has generated concerns about the excessive regulation, with some arguing that the sport is losing its human element. Ben Suulayem rejected these allegations, stating that the main responsibility of the FIA is to ensure equal conditions for all competitors. “We are not here to make friends,” he said. “We are here to protect the integrity of Formula 1.”
As the dust drops to Silverstone, the focus now turns to the next steps of Piostri and McLaren. The appeal process should be controversial, with both parties preparing for a thorough examination of evidence. For Pastri, this incident represents a significant challenge in his young career, but his talent and resilience suggest that he will recover. The Formula 1 world will closely follow the season’s unfolding, eager to see how this controversy will shape the championship dispute.
In short, the decision of the Penalizing Oscar Pistri in Silverstone emphasizes the unwavering commitment of the organization to the application of the rules. Although the penalty has divided opinions, it serves as a reminder of the high standards expected in Formula 1. As the sport continues to evolve, such as it highlights the delicate balance between competition, technology and integrity that defines the height of motorsport.
