Oscar Piastri took full responsibility for the accident that took him out of the race on the opening lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, costing him six points in the drivers’ championship against his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. After an accident in Saturday’s qualifying session, Piastri started from ninth position on the grid. However, he dropped to last place at the first corner after his car went into anti-stall mode following a false start. While trying to regain positions on the first lap, Piastri tried to go around the outside of a group of cars at Turn 5 and crashed into the barriers.
I think, ultimately, I miscalculated the grip level. Probably a lot of that is due to the dirty air, but I know better than that, to expect the lack of grip.
Oscar Piastri
I certainly don’t blame anything else. It was two simple mistakes on my part that I caused today.
Oscar Piastri
You’ll never feel incredible after a weekend like this, but ultimately, I felt the pace has been good this weekend.
Oscar Piastri
Added: “There has been nothing different [this weekend]. It depends on how you want to see it”.I think it’s strange that I have so many execution errors, so I’m very focused on leaving that behind.
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 has a 25-point lead at the top of the standings with seven races remaining.For me, if I felt like I was in a completely different mental state, then it would be easier to blame it on that, and also a problem to rectify, I suppose.
Oscar Piastri
Yes, that’s what it is. I’m not too worried about it.
Oscar Piastri
There’s still a long way to go. And whether you have good or bad weekends, the championship is far from over. That’s what I’m focused on.I think for me, I’m solely focused on myself and what I can do to improve.
Oscar Piastri
