McLaren's rising star Oscar Piastri faced a devastating setback during Friday's practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a heavy collision with the notorious Baku street circuit barriers.
The Australian driver lost control of his MCL60 through the demanding Turn 15 left-hander, making significant contact with the concrete wall that lines the narrow circuit. The impact caused substantial damage to the right side of his car, particularly the suspension and wheel assembly.
Significant Damage Assessment
Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the extensive damage, stating: "We have a damaged chassis and gearbox after Oscar's incident. The impact was substantial, and we're now working against the clock to assess the full extent of the damage."
The crash occurred during the crucial second practice session, leaving Piastri unable to set a competitive lap time before qualifying. This represents a major blow to the team's preparations for Saturday's sprint race and Sunday's main event.
Baku's Bite Strikes Again
The Baku City Circuit has earned its reputation as one of Formula 1's most challenging tracks, with its narrow sections and unforgiving barriers frequently catching out even the most experienced drivers. Piastri's incident adds to the growing list of casualties at the street circuit that demands absolute precision.
McLaren now faces a race against time to repair the car before qualifying, with the team potentially needing to replace both the chassis and gearbox. Any gearbox change would likely result in grid penalties, further complicating their weekend prospects.
The incident serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margins in Formula 1, where a single mistake can have significant consequences for the entire race weekend. All eyes will be on the McLaren garage to see if they can recover from this setback in time for the competitive sessions ahead.
