Oscar Piastri suffers shock crash before Australian GP

Oscar Piastri has been eliminated from the Australian Grand Prix after colliding with the barrier before the start of the race.

As a result, the local favourite is out of the opening round of the season.

The Australian driver was due to start the race from fifth on the grid, ahead of team-mate Lando Norris.

Moments after the pit lane opened, Piastri started to make his way around the track as he prepared for the first race.

However, as he rounded Turn 4, he lost control of the car over the kerbs and spun into the barrier at the opposite side of the track.

When he enquired about the issue for his team-mate, Norris was informed over team radio that Piastri lost control as he shifted gears while riding the kerb.

Now, just 21 cars are set to line up on the starting grid for today's grand prix.

It marks the second year in a row that Piastri has suffered disappointment in his home race, as last year, he dropped to ninth following a spin in wet conditions while battling for victory.

See Piastri's shunt below!