The Canadian Grand Prix has only just begun, but the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has already caused a stir. The first free practice session was less than an hour old when the FIA stewards handed out a fine to McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader. The Australian exceeded the speed limit in the pit lane, an offence that not only resulted in a financial penalty, but also caused a stir in the paddock. Max Verstappen, always good for a sharp reaction, did not hold back and caused an extra stir with his commentary.
After an intense three-race European series, Formula 1 has descended on Montreal, where the challenging circuit with its long straights and infamous ‘Wall of Champions’ always provides a spectacle. The first free practice session started with a surprise twist when Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc crashed into the wall after just fifteen minutes, ending his session prematurely with a time of 1:13.885. Max Verstappen and George Russell, on the other hand, both undercut this time, with Verstappen ending the session with an impressive 1:13.1. Piastri, however, remained conspicuously invisible. He completed just seven laps on the soft tyres and finished a disappointing P15 with 20 minutes remaining in FP1.
However, it wasn’t Piastri’s performance on track that drew attention, but his actions in the pit lane. The McLaren driver was fined €100 for exceeding the 80 km/h speed limit. The infringement was minor – just 0.3 km/h over the limit – but under article 34.7 of the sporting regulations, any excess is punishable. While the fine will have no financial impact for a driver of Piastri’s stature, its symbolic significance was all the greater. The stewards stressed that the pit lane is a place where safety comes first, and infringements, no matter how minor, will not be tolerated.
The fine prompted mixed reactions in the paddock, with some teams calling it excessive for such a minor infraction, while others saw it as a fair warning. The incident was compounded by the fact that Piastri’s actions in the pit lane were seen by some drivers as disrespectful. Montreal’s narrow pit lane leaves little margin for error, and speeding can put mechanics and other drivers at risk. An anonymous source at Red Bull suggested that Piastri’s behaviour was “typical of someone who thinks he is above the rules” – a dig that further fuelled the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull.
Max Verstappen, who had set the fastest time after FP1, could not suppress a smile when asked about the incident. “Karma,” he said dryly. “If you go too fast where you are not allowed, you pay a price for it. It is only €100, but it is a signal.” His comment was typical of the Dutchman, who never misses an opportunity to take a swipe at a rival. However, Verstappen also stressed that he is focused on his own race: “We have made a good start, but there is still a lot of work to do. McLaren will remain strong, fine or not.”
For Piastri and McLaren, the fine is a minor blemish on an otherwise crucial race weekend. With a 39-point lead over Verstappen in the championship, the team cannot afford any missteps. The Australian will have to show in FP2 and qualifying on Saturday (22:00 Dutch time) that he has regained his focus. The circuit, with its unpredictable weather and heavy braking zones, offers opportunities for recovery, but also risks, especially with a Mercedes team on the rise and a Ferrari seeking revenge after Leclerc’s crash.
The Canadian Grand Prix promises to be a battle in which every detail counts. Piastri’s penalty may be small, but in a sport where margins are razor-thin, even a moment of inattention can have huge consequences. Verstappen and his rivals look on, ready to seize every opportunity. Montreal has only just begun, and the drama is already in full swing.
