Grill'd Alters Piastri Burger Deal Amid 'Curse' Speculation

Grill'd has adjusted its promotional offer for Oscar Piastri's signature burger, moving from rewarding fans for podium finishes to simply completing a race. This change comes after a string of challenging races for Piastri and growing social media chatter linking the promotion to a supposed 'burger curse' impacting his performance.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The details:

• The Grill'd promotion initially offered a free burger when Oscar Piastri finished in the top three.
• It has now been altered to reward fans when he simply completes a race, regardless of his finishing position.
• The 'Oscar Piastri 81 Burger' was relaunched in September, following its initial debut ahead of the Australian Grand Prix earlier in the year.
• Since his last podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix in early September, Piastri has faced several incidents, including a crash in Baku, sprint race incidents in Mexico and Brazil, and a penalty in Sao Paulo.
• Social media users have jokingly coined the term 'burger curse,' suggesting a correlation between the relaunch of the promotion and Piastri's downturn in form.
• Motorsport commentator Taylor Kitchen's viral video highlighted the timeline, noting Piastri's struggles began shortly after the promotion was reactivated on September 16.
• The 'Oscar Piastri Burger' features a Wagyu beef patty on a charcoal bun with papaya sesame seeds, super-charged OP chipotle mayo, crispy bacon, aged cheddar, shredded carrot, cos lettuce, and Spanish onion.

Between the lines:

This unusual marketing pivot highlights the often superstitious nature of sports fans and the unpredictable public reaction to commercial partnerships. While purely coincidental, the online 'burger curse' narrative has gained traction, adding an unexpected layer of fan engagement, albeit one that forced the brand to adapt its offer.

What's next:

The Grill'd promotion is scheduled to run through mid-December. It remains to be seen how the adjusted offer will be received by fans and if Piastri's on-track performance will see a turnaround in the remaining races, potentially dispelling the humorous 'curse' theory.