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.
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
Join the conversation!