Australian Burger Chain Grill'd Responds to Oscar Piastri 'Curse'
Australian burger chain Grill'd has hilariously responded to social media claims that their F1 campaign 'cursed' Oscar Piastri's performance. After changing a promotion offering free burgers for podiums to simply for racing, the brand issued a witty apology, reassuring fans and Piastri of their unwavering support despite the recent dip in the McLaren driver's results.
Australian fast-food chain Grill'd has issued a tongue-in-cheek apology after social media users jokingly attributed Oscar Piastri's recent dip in performance to the brand's F1 campaign. Originally, Grill'd promised a free burger for every Piastri podium finish, but after a string of races without one, they changed the promotion to apply every time he races, sparking the 'curse' claims.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's pursuit of an 'extreme' yet reliable 2026 power unit highlights the relentless innovation driving Formula 1. A breakthrough in engine technology could redefine the competitive hierarchy, positioning a long-standing titan like Ferrari to challenge for championships and influence the sport's future technical direction. This constant push for performance, exemplified by Ferrari's current endeavors, is what keeps F1 at the cutting edge of motorsport.
The details:
- Initial Promotion: Grill'd initially offered a free 'bonus' burger every time Oscar Piastri secured a podium finish.
- Performance Dip: Piastri's performance saw a downturn after his third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, leading to no further podiums.
- Campaign Change: The promotion was subsequently altered to offer a free burger every time Piastri races, regardless of his result.
- Social Media Reaction: This change led to social media users humorously suggesting that Grill'd had 'cursed' Piastri's form.
- Grill'd's Response: The brand posted an apology: "To everyone who believes in the 'curse', We'd like to apologise. To you, and to F1 fans everywhere. We never meant to create a burger so delicious it could change the course of F1 history. So yes, we're sorry. Sorry our burgers slap that hard. Sure, we can take a joke about a curse - but let's be real, we'd never bet against a guy like Oscar Piastri. He's out homegrown Aussie hero, and we'll always be in his corner. Today, tomorrow, and forever, we've got your back, Oscar. Team Grill'd."
- Piastri's Season: Piastri currently trails teammate Lando Norris by 24 points with three rounds remaining and leads Max Verstappen by 25 points. He noted adapting to different car behaviors and peculiar tire conditions as challenges in recent races.
Between the lines:
While the 'curse' is clearly a lighthearted joke, it underscores the intense scrutiny and passion of F1 fans, who often look for external factors to explain performance fluctuations. For Grill'd, the playful response effectively turns a potential PR misstep into a relatable, fan-engaging moment, reinforcing their support for their sponsored athlete.
What's next:
Piastri will continue to focus on adapting to the car's behavior and the changing track conditions as the season concludes. His recent comments indicate a proactive approach to improving his driving tools and understanding the car, rather than simply attributing issues to external 'curses'. The McLaren team will also be analyzing data to optimize performance for both drivers in the final races.