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Oscar Piastri Crashes in Monaco Practice, Faces Setback Ahead of Qualifying
Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s rising Formula 1 star and current championship leader, suffered an unexpected setback during the second free practice (FP2) session at the Monaco Grand Prix. The 24-year-old Australian driver, known for his composed and precise driving style, crashed into the barriers at the notorious Sainte-Devote corner, cutting short what had been a promising session.
Piastri was delivering an impressive performance in FP2, having just registered the second-fastest lap time while running on medium compound tyres. However, as he approached the tight right-hand turn at Sainte-Devote—a corner infamous for catching out even seasoned drivers—he locked his front tyres under braking. The lock-up caused him to lose control of his McLaren, sending it straight into the tyre barrier. The impact was forceful enough to cause substantial damage to the car, notably detaching the front wing and damaging the suspension.
The session was immediately red-flagged as marshals cleared the track and assessed the damage. Thankfully, Piastri was uninjured in the incident. He quickly informed his team via radio that he was okay and, despite the visible damage to the car, managed to drive it back to the pits. McLaren engineers now face the difficult task of rebuilding the car in time for Saturday’s final practice (FP3) and the all-important qualifying session.
The crash comes as a rare blemish in what has otherwise been a stellar 2025 campaign for Piastri. With four Grand Prix victories already under his belt this season, he currently sits atop the drivers’ standings. His performances have drawn widespread praise, particularly for his maturity and composure in high-pressure scenarios. That’s why this error, especially in practice, has raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike.
While the incident is undoubtedly a disruption, the timing could have been worse. A crash during qualifying at Monaco—a circuit where overtaking opportunities are extremely limited—would have had far graver consequences for Piastri’s race weekend and championship aspirations. Being forced to start from the back of the grid at Monte Carlo almost certainly guarantees a poor finish due to the track’s tight and twisty layout, where position changes are rare.
This moment is a reminder of how unforgiving the streets of Monaco can be. The circuit demands absolute precision, and even a minor lapse can result in major consequences. Similar mishaps have occurred in the past, including Max Verstappen’s 2018 crash during FP3, which ruled him out of qualifying and cost him a likely podium finish.
As the McLaren team works swiftly to repair the car, the focus now shifts to qualifying, where grid position is crucial. Piastri will be eager to put the crash behind him and regain momentum heading into Sunday’s race. Given his strong form throughout the year, both he and McLaren remain optimistic that they can recover and stay firmly in the championship fight.
