Piastri delivers clear response to Russell close call

Oscar Piastri has accepted that his contact with George Russell during the Japanese Grand Prix was nothing more than a “racing incident”.

Russell attempted a late race move on Piastri into the final chicane as he attempted to make up a position on fresher tyres.

Slight contact was made between the pair, causing Piastri to take to the run-off area.

The Stewards opted to investigate Russell’s conduct, much to the annoyance of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Piastri would eventually finish behind Russell after making a mistake in the closing stages.

Speaking about the incident to media including RacingNews365, Piastri said: “I think it's probably a bit of a racing incident.

“He finished in front of me anyway, so I think it was fine.”

Piastri hails Alonso's tricks

Piastri’s late challenge to stay ahead of Russell was aided by Alonso, who backed off to give the McLaren driver DRS as he looked to protect himself from a fast-charging Russell.

Piastri commended Alonso’s quick thinking, stating it is a useful strategy to adopt at a track like Suzuka.

“I could tell that Fernando was trying to keep me there by the way he was using his energy,” Piastri reflected.

“I think with how difficult it is to follow in these cars, it’s quite a good strategy to stop a quicker car coming through.

“A few tough moments with George but in the end, I made a mistake and he got past.

“Disappointing to let that one slip right at the end, just struggled a bit in general today.”