Oscar Piastri delivers verdict on race-changing penalty: 'I can't disappear'

Oscar Piastri was adamant that he had no regrets after being handed a penalty that arguably cost him a podium finish in the São Paulo Grand Prix.

McLaren driver Piastri was hit with a 10-second penalty for causing a collision after locking up into Turn 1 on lap six at a safety car restart that saw him collide with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. A domino effect saw the 19-year-old Italian take out Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

It was clear from overhead replays that Antonelli left the door wide open for Piastri to make a move, one that former F1 driver and Sky Sports co-commentator Martin Brundle said he would do again every time if offered the opportunity on 20 other occasions.

Asked whether he had any regrets about his manoeuvre, Piastri said: "No, I don't think so. I had a very clear opportunity. I went for it. The other two on the outside braked quite late.

"There was obviously a bit of a lock up into the corner, but that was because I could see Kimi was not going to give me any space. I can't disappear, but the decision is what it is."

Serving the penalty at a pit stop led to Piastri finishing fifth at the chequered flag behind race-winning team-mate Lando Norris, who has now opened up a 24-point cushion over the Australian in the drivers' standings.

Assessing his title hopes with three grands prix remaining and 83 points available, Piastri said: "[I will] Just try and get the most out of it that I can.

"The penalty was one thing, but I don't think the pace was at a level that I wanted it to be.

"The second half of the race, potentially, was not too bad, but the first stint was a little bit tough.

"So [it is about] just trying to get back on top of things with that, and try and have the best weekends we can."