Piastri Assumes Blame for Baku Accident: F1 Azerbaijan

Oscar Piastri took full responsibility for the accident that took him out of the race on the first lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This incident cost him six points in the drivers’ championship, compared to his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. After a crash in Saturday’s qualifying session, Piastri started the race from ninth on the grid. However, he dropped to last place at the first corner, due to his car going into anti-stall mode after a false start. While trying to regain positions on the first lap, Piastri attempted to overtake a group of cars on the outside at Turn 5 and crashed into the barriers.

I think, ultimately, I miscalculated the grip level. Probably a lot of that was due to dirty air, but I know I need to be better, and expect the lack of grip.

Oscar Piastri

Certainly, I blame nothing else. It was two simple mistakes on my part that I caused today.

Oscar Piastri

Piastri commented that there was no obvious reason for having had two accidents in two days, but was consoled by his performance during the weekend.

You’ll never feel incredible after a weekend like this, but ultimately, I felt the pace has still been good this weekend. I think it’s rare that I have so many execution errors, so I’m very focused on putting that behind me.

Oscar Piastri

He added that there has been nothing different this weekend. It depends on how you want to see it.

This weekend has felt like any other weekend, but, unfortunately, there have been too many mistakes from start to finish.

Oscar Piastri

The weekend in Azerbaijan was Piastri’s first in 2025 without scoring points, but with Norris only scoring six points after finishing in seventh position, the Australian still maintains a 25-point lead at the top of the standings, with seven races remaining.