Oscar Piastri has acknowledged a “strange coincidence” that occurred in Australia at the start of the year as he dramatically crashed out of the event.
The local favourite was making his way to the starting grid when his car spun on a kerb in the first sector, resulting in a smash into the barrier.
It ensured that Piastri would not take part in the season-opening race, forcing him to lick his wounds while his rivals experienced the first race of the new season.
Piastri was also not present at the pre-race grid procedures, which included the national anthem, where he was due to stand behind a grid kid.
It's a feeling that Piastri knows well, as in 2015, he was a grid kid for Daniil Kvyat before the Red Bull driver broke down before the start of the race.
Piastri has since confirmed he has sent the grid kid a personalised video as he recognised the bizarre coincidence.
"I think he broke down on the way to the grid, but yes, same outcome," Piastri told media including RacingNews365.
"I didn't get to meet the grid kid that I was supposed to have, unfortunately. I've made contact with him and sent him a video.
“But yes, strange coincidence that 11 years later the same outcome is there."
Piastri returned to the cockpit in China, but another pre-race issue with his car forced him into a second straight non-start.
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