\n<\/p>\n
The contrast to the outcome of a very similar incident in Canada two races ago between Mercedes’ George Russell and Verstappen was notable.<\/p>\n
In Montreal, after the stewards took no action, Red Bull lodged a protest, but it was dismissed out of hand.<\/p>\n
Piastri said: “Going back to Canada, I think he had to evade more there than he did today. So, yeah, I’m a bit confused to say the least.”<\/p>\n
There was also the feeling within McLaren that Verstappen may have ‘gamed’ the system by exaggerating how much it affected him.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think he had to evade me,” Piastri said. “He managed the first time.”<\/p>\n
Team principal Andrea Stella said: “We’ll have to see also if other competitors kind of made the situation look worse than what it is.<\/p>\n
“Because we know that as part of the race-craft, some competitors definitely have the ability to make others look like they are causing severe infringement when they are not.”<\/p>\n
Verstappen said: “The thing is that it happened to me now a few times, this kind of scenario. I just find it strange that suddenly now Oscar is the first one to receive 10 seconds first.”<\/p>\n
Was that because because there was no difference from what Russell did in Canada?<\/p>\n
“Well, to the stewards, yes, (there was),” Verstappen said.<\/p>\n
The end result was that Norris has moved himself on to four wins for the season, one short of Piastri.<\/p>\n
“I felt like I drove a really strong race,” Piastri said. “Ultimately, when you don’t get the result you think you deserve, it hurts, especially when it’s not in your control.<\/p>\n
“I will use the frustration to make sure I win some more races later.”<\/p>\n
Both have two weekends off to reset and refresh before battle recommences at the Belgian Grand Prix, the start of the second half of the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n