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Oscar Piastri Triggers Red Flag with Crash at Notorious ‘Wall of Champions’ During Canadian GP Practice

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri caused a dramatic interruption during the final practice session (FP3) at the Canadian Grand Prix after a high-speed collision with the infamous Wall of Champions. The incident brought out a red flag as the session was temporarily halted to clear debris left in the wake of his crash.

Piastri, currently among the top contenders in the 2025 Formula 1 championship standings, lost control of his McLaren while approaching the final chicane at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. After bouncing aggressively over the kerbs, his car drifted wide, clipping the outer wall at Turn 14 — a section of the track that has claimed many elite drivers over the years. The impact damaged his car’s rear and left him with a puncture, scattering carbon fiber debris across the circuit.

“It doesn’t look like much on television but when you’re in the car it’s a big thump,” noted 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg during Sky Sports’ broadcast commentary.

Following the crash, Piastri managed to nurse his car back to the pit lane. There, McLaren mechanics quickly assessed the damage, particularly focusing on the floor and rear suspension area. Thanks to swift repairs, the Australian driver rejoined the session with just under 25 minutes remaining.

The Challenge of the Wall of Champions

Turn 14 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most iconic—and feared—corners in Formula 1. The wall earned its legendary nickname during the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix when three former world champions—Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve—each crashed into it during the same weekend. Since then, it has gained notoriety as a driver’s ultimate test of precision and nerve.

Others have also been caught out by the narrow margins at this part of the track. Jenson Button hit the wall in 2005, followed by Sebastian Vettel in 2011. Even drivers without championship titles have fallen victim—Carlos Sainz in 2016 and Kevin Magnussen in 2019, to name a few.

Piastri’s brush with the wall may join a long list of famous mishaps, though whether it’s a mere footnote or a symbolic omen for championship success remains to be seen. With McLaren performing strongly in recent races, Piastri will now turn his attention to the remainder of the weekend, where he aims to outpace teammate Lando Norris and secure a solid grid position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The crash serves as yet another reminder that even the best drivers are never fully safe from the unpredictable challenges of Montreal’s tight, unforgiving street circuit.