‘Absolute disaster’ ruins Piastri’s podium push in Azerbaijan
Updated . First published at
Oscar Piastri had his chance at a podium finish ruined following a nightmare overtaking effort on the 40th lap at a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
In a race that included multiple yellow flags, Piastri and Izack Hadjar were locked into a battle for third when the Australian attempted to push away on turn one.
Oscar Piastri heads off the track. F1
Piastri locked up and went straight off the track before recomposing himself and returning to the race in 15th.
“Absolute disaster, out of the podium and out of the points too ... there was just no grip there on braking,” David Croft said on Sky Sports.
Piastri’s blunder made for a horror day at McLaren after Lando Norris was knocked out of the race on the 36th lap.
The race restarted on that lap following an earlier crash for Alex Albon and on turn one a horror mistake from Alpine’s Franco Colapinto brought about another yellow flag.
Colapinto locked up on the turn and went straight into Pierre Gasly and Norris in what was a terrible decision.
The Alpine driver apologised profusely over the team radio saying “sorry to all the team and Pierre. Really sorry about that.”
Gasly was understandably furious.
“Oh my f--ing god. Cannot believe it. I cannot believe it. So many f---ing points gone,” he said immediately.
Colapinto once again apologised after the race when interviewed post-race. Gasly struggled for words and said it was “not an ideal day” before saying that respect will keep their partnership together.
“As long as there’s respect, anything is possible,” he said.
When Norris was speaking to media, he was measured in his tone, but his words told the story.
“At the end of the day I got taken out ... some drivers that shouldn’t be in Formula 1 to be honest,” he said.
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain and Alpine driver Franco Colapinto. AP Photo/Darko Bandic
George Russell went on to win the race as another yellow card was deployed on the final lap due to Valtteri Bottas crashing at turn 15.
Max Verstappen finished second with Hadjar third while Piastri was all the way back in 14th. A total of seven drivers did not finish the race.
Piastri explained the incident post-race and said, “it certainly took me by surprise”.
“I didn’t think I braked super late or super hard, just instantly locked both fronts, so I need to look at that. A disappointing end to the day,” he said.
“I think the first half of the race was very strong so it’s a shame to not have anything to show for it.”
