Watching the race start back, Piastri jumped the start and then halted to try to undo the error. That is why he dropped back so far before we even reached turn one. His car then went into anti-stall but that was a massive error from the championship leader.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has his head in his hands. Maybe McLaren will not be able to secure the constructors’ title today.
The championship leader has crashed out of the race on the opening lap and we have a safety car. After that disastrous start, he had dropped back to the rear of the grid and then just simply locks up into turn five, smashing into the barriers. It was an uncharacteristic error from the Australian in qualifying yesterday and he has made another one today. What an opportunity this now is for Norris to close Piastri’s 31-point lead in the drivers’ standings. Norris was so unlucky with his retirement in Zandvoort but this is a great chance for him with Piastri out of the race.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER IS OUT 🤯
Oscar Piastri crashes out in Baku after falling to the back of the grid at the start 💥 pic.twitter.com/Ko25GeJmsI
