Piastri, Out of Race in Lap 1 of Azerbaijan GP: Norris on the Hunt

Oscar Piastri Out of the Race on the First Lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Formula 1 championship leader Oscar Piastri suffered an accident on the first lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opening a great opportunity for Lando Norris to revive the fight for the title. Piastri, who leads his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, by 31 points, had a slow and nervous start, falling to the back of the grid. In his attempt to complete the first lap, Piastri went off at Turn 5 and crashed into the wall, ending his race immediately and his streak of 34 consecutive races scoring points.

“I’m sorry, guys,” Piastri said over the radio, before getting out of the car.

Oscar Piastri

Norris, who started from seventh position, will now seek to reduce the points difference. Piastri’s accident brought out the safety car, continuing the weekend’s drama. Saturday’s qualifying session featured a record six red flag interruptions, one of which was for Piastri’s accident in Q3. The replays also suggested that Piastri had jumped the start. He was given a five-second penalty, but according to FIA guidelines, the Australian’s retirement means it will not turn into a grid penalty in the next race. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso, who started directly behind Piastri in 11th position, has received a five-second penalty for a jump start.