In the wake of a tense and controversial Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and his team have issued a stunning 8-word statement that’s sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 world:
“We were played dirty, and everyone saw it.”

The comment came just moments after the race at Imola, where Piastri finished outside the podium in what many are calling a highly questionable result marred by team radio controversy, strategic interference, and aggressive driving tactics from rival teams.

While neither Piastri nor McLaren initially provided details, team insiders suggest the frustration stems from a late-race incident involving a competitor’s controversial defensive maneuver, which forced Piastri wide and caused him to lose a crucial position. Race stewards ultimately ruled the incident a “racing incident,” a decision that McLaren strongly disagrees with.

Speaking after the race, a visibly upset Piastri hinted at political bias and inconsistency in rule enforcement:

“It’s hard to keep fighting when the same things keep getting ignored. We gave it everything. We raced fair. But today, we were played dirty.”

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella echoed Piastri’s concerns, calling for greater transparency and accountability in how on-track incidents are reviewed:

“We respect the FIA, but we also demand fairness. There needs to be consistency. This is not just about Oscar—this is about the integrity of the sport.”

The FIA has yet to respond to McLaren’s criticisms, but social media is already buzzing with clips of the incident in question, with many fans agreeing that Piastri was unfairly disadvantaged. The hashtag #JusticeForPiastri trended globally within hours of the race conclusion.

Despite the controversy, Piastri remains in the top 5 of the drivers’ standings, and McLaren continues to push hard in the Constructors’ Championship, showing strong development and momentum in recent races.

F1 pundits are now wondering whether this moment could ignite a new rivalry or even prompt regulatory reform in mid-season. With the next Grand Prix just a week away, all eyes will be on how both McLaren and the FIA respond to growing pressure.

One thing is certain: Oscar Piastri is no longer the quiet rookie—he’s emerging as one of the most outspoken and determined drivers on the grid.