Oscar Piastri reveals ‘scary’ George Russell encounter after spin

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri described a "scary" moment during the São Paulo Grand Prix when he had to avoid a stranded George Russell. Russell lost control of his Mercedes exiting the pit lane on lap 16 after switching from intermediate tires to slicks on a drying track. The spin dropped Russell from fourth to eighth, allowing Piastri, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson to pass his stationary car.

Piastri, who started 10th following qualifying penalties and finished sixth, expressed optimism about McLaren's race pace despite the incident. McLaren currently sits 17 points behind Red Bull in the fight for third place in the constructors' championship with three races remaining, and Piastri remains confident that McLaren can overhaul their rivals before the season concludes.