As the Formula One season enters its final stages, Oscar Piastri faces a critical challenge to rediscover his early-season form. The McLaren driver’s championship aspirations have dimmed in recent races, with teammate Lando Norris now holding a 24-point advantage heading into the final three grands prix.
An unusual subplot has emerged from Australia, where restaurant chain Grill’d has withdrawn a promotional offer tied to Piastri’s podium finishes. The “burger curse,” as fans dubbed it, saw the driver fail to reach the podium in five consecutive races following the promotion’s revival. The company has since apologized on social media, acknowledging the superstition while humorously noting they “never meant to create a burger so delicious it could change the course of F1 history.”
Piastri’s manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, emphasizes that real progress will come from within rather than through reversing any perceived curses. “This is about character, about finding those deep motivations that you need at this point to come back,” Webber stated after the São Paulo Grand Prix, where Piastri finished fifth while Norris claimed victory.
Despite the recent struggles, Webber highlighted the significance of Piastri’s achievements in only his third Formula One season. “Year three is pretty unprecedented,” Webber noted, referencing the rarity of drivers competing for championships so early in their careers. “A lot of drivers don’t fight for a title once in their career, so you’ve got to try and find the positives.”
The Australian driver’s seven grand prix victories this season represent a remarkable accomplishment for any driver, let alone one with only three years of experience in the sport. As the championship battle reaches its conclusion, the focus remains on whether Piastri can harness his evident talent to mount a late-season challenge and build momentum for future campaigns.
