Breaking: Red Flag Chaos in FP3 as McLaren driver Co….read more

During the third and final practice session (FP3) ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri triggered a surprising red flag incident following a high-profile crash at Montreal’s notorious “Wall of Champions.”

Piastri, who has been enjoying a strong season and showing impressive pace, encountered trouble as he approached the final chicane at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — a section infamous for punishing even the smallest of errors. The Australian clipped the kerb on entry, upsetting the balance of his McLaren, which led him to veer wide and make contact with the outer barrier, better known in the F1 world as the Wall of Champions.

The impact, while not especially dramatic in appearance on television, had serious consequences. The collision caused a puncture on his car and resulted in debris being scattered across the circuit. Despite managing to drive his damaged car back to the pits, the incident was deemed significant enough for race control to temporarily halt the session. A red flag was thrown to allow marshals to safely clear the track of the debris left behind, ensuring safe conditions for the remaining drivers.

Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion and now a commentator for Sky Sports, weighed in on the incident during the live broadcast. “It doesn’t look like much on television,” Rosberg noted, “but when you’re in the car it’s a big thump.” His comments highlighted just how misleading camera angles can be when it comes to assessing the physical toll of such collisions on drivers.

The Wall of Champions has a long-standing reputation for catching out even the most skilled racers. Named after a series of high-profile crashes involving world champions such as Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher, the wall sits menacingly close to the exit of the final chicane. Any misjudgment in braking or kerb usage can send a car hurtling into the concrete, ending a lap or even a race in dramatic fashion. Piastri now joins a list of drivers who have fallen victim to this treacherous part of the Montreal track.

While the damage to Piastri’s car did not appear catastrophic, it served as a reminder of how unforgiving the Canadian circuit can be. McLaren mechanics worked swiftly to assess and begin repairs, hoping the incident would not affect the team’s preparations for qualifying and the race itself.

This unexpected incident added some drama to what had already been an eventful weekend and underscored the ever-present risks of pushing the limits in Formula 1.