VIDEO – Oscar Piastri crashes out, local star denied Australian Grand Prix

What a nightmare for papayas! Oscar piastri (McLarenMcLaren made a mistake even before the start of his home Grand Prix. He went off the rails in Turn 4 on the formation lap, and this blunder cost the Australian his participation in the race.

The Melbourne native, who was due to start from fifth place, saw his hopes dashed at a very slow speed. Betrayed by tires that weren't yet up to temperature, Piastri made a fatal lapse in concentration, losing control of his car Even before the lights went out. For the crowd favorite, this first Grand Prix of the 2026 era came to an abrupt end, forcing him to retire in front of stunned spectators. Moments before the lights went out, it was too late to hope for a miraculous repair. No Australian has ever managed to win on home soil, and this season is not the season to break the curse.

UNBELIEVABLE! PIASTRI CRASHED INTO THE WALL BEFORE THE START 🤯

The Australian made a mistake on the formation lap, it's already over for him! ❌

He was supposed to start 5th at home, this first Grand Prix of 2026 is already crazy! #AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/YFRcsd6ipv

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 8, 2026

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