McLaren driver Oscar Piastri crashed on his reconnaissance lap before the start of the Australian Grand Prix, preventing him from taking the grid for the opening race of the 2026 Formula One season.
The incident occurred less than an hour before the race was due to begin as drivers completed their customary low-speed reconnaissance laps to check track conditions and systems before the start.
READ MORE: Australian Grand Prix start time in UK and how to watch the 2026 race
Piastri lost control at Turn 4 after his car snapped loose while he was shifting gears, according to his team.
With the right-side tyres positioned on the outside kerb during the corner, the car slid out of control and struck the wall.
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The damage was severe enough that McLaren did not have sufficient time to repair the car before the race start.
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The crash left thousands of spectators at the circuit stunned as the home driver’s race ended before the formation lap had even begun.
Piastri had qualified fifth for the race following a strong session that saw George Russell and Kimi Antonelli secure a front-row lockout for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
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The 24-year-old Australian finished third in the championship standings in 2025 as McLaren secured its second consecutive constructors’ title.
His team-mate Lando Norris claimed the drivers’ championship that season, marking the Briton’s first Formula One world title.
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