Oscar Piastri’s campaign for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship took a dramatic hit at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the McLaren driver crashed out on the very first lap of the race. Coming into the Baku weekend with a comfortable 31-point lead in the standings, Piastri was expected to at least consolidate his position. However, a combination of a poor start and an unforced error under pressure saw him end the day with zero points and a major dent in his title hopes.
Starting from ninth on the grid, Piastri’s troubles began as soon as the lights went out. He appeared to jump the start and then lost momentum when his car bogged down due to the anti-stall system kicking in. That immediate drop in pace saw him swamped by rivals, slipping toward the back of the field within seconds. Pushing hard to recover positions, he made a critical mistake at Turn 5. Under braking, his front wheels locked up, and he went straight into the outside barrier. The contact ended his race just moments after it had begun.
For Piastri, the road ahead is clear: learn from the mistake, recalibrate, and respond quickly. The margin for error in a title fight is razor-thin, and while one crash doesn’t decide a championship, it can certainly change its momentum. As the season moves into its final stretch, how Piastri reacts will be just as important as his performance on the track.
Bizarre Moment! Alex Albon's Wing Mirror Flies Off During Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Practice Session; Video
Williams F1 driver Alex Albon experienced an unusual hiccup during the free practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, as one of his car’s wing mirrors came loose and eventually detached mid-session. The unexpected incident drew attention from both commentators and fans, given how rare and potentially risky such a failure can be on a street circuit known for its tight turns and high-speed straights.
The wing mirror detached on the long back straight of the Baku City Circuit, a track where visibility is crucial due to its blend of narrow sections and overtaking zones. Albon continued driving briefly before returning to the pits, where Williams engineers quickly assessed the damage and retrieved the missing part. Thankfully, Albon remained in control throughout and avoided any further complications.
Wing mirrors in Formula 1 are not just for checking positions but are crucial for safety, especially on a track like Baku where walls leave no margin for error. Their aerodynamic positioning also means any detachment could disrupt airflow and balance, especially during fast-paced practice laps.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has a reputation for chaos and unpredictability, and Albon’s lost mirror is another small chapter in that ongoing story. As the weekend progresses, Williams will be aiming for stability and performance, with both mirrors firmly attached.
