Piastri's Recent Dip in Form Leads to Burger Promotion Change
Oscar Piastri's recent struggles to achieve a podium finish, notably missing out again at the São Paulo Grand Prix, have led to a humorous yet telling change in an Australian burger promotion. Initially offering a free burger for a Piastri podium, the 'Grill'd Healthy Burgers' chain has revised the deal to a free burger simply for him competing, reflecting his current dip in form and the growing points gap to teammate Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri has consistently missed the podium in recent races, including the São Paulo Grand Prix. This extended dry spell has prompted an Australian restaurant chain to adjust a promotional offer tied to his performance.
Why it matters:
Piastri's struggles to secure a top-three finish highlight a recent dip in form for the McLaren driver. This not only impacts his individual championship standing but also indirectly reflects on McLaren's overall momentum, especially as his teammate Lando Norris continues to deliver strong results. The change in the burger promotion, though a lighthearted matter, subtly underscores the expectations placed on F1 drivers and the immediate public reaction to their performance.
The Details:
- The 'Oscar Piastri Burger': Australian chain Grill'd Healthy Burgers features a limited-edition burger named after Piastri, which includes a wagyu beef patty and a charcoal bun.
- Original Promotion: Initially, fans could receive a free burger with purchase if Piastri achieved a podium finish. This promotion was widely publicized after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
- Performance Post-Monza: Since the promotion's inception, Piastri has not secured a podium finish, failing to place in the top three on a Sunday since September.
- Revised Promotion: Due to Piastri's sustained absence from the podium, Grill'd has altered the offer. Now, fans can receive a free burger simply when Piastri competes in an F1 race, regardless of his finishing position.
- Recent Race Results (Post-Monza):
- Azerbaijan GP: DNF
- Singapore GP: 4th
- US GP [Sprint]: DNF
- US GP: 5th
- Mexico City GP: 5th
- Sao Paulo GP [Sprint]: DNF
- Sao Paulo GP: 5th
The Big Picture:
Piastri's recent performance contrasts sharply with his teammate Lando Norris, who secured a significant win at the Brazil GP. Norris outscored Piastri by 23 points in Brazil, extending his lead in the drivers' standings to 24 points. This growing points gap puts Piastri in a challenging position as the 2025 F1 season heads into its final three rounds. While Piastri showed flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, consistency has become a key area for improvement.
What's next:
The Formula 1 season continues in two weeks with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. Piastri will be looking to regain his earlier season form and close the gap to Norris, aiming for a strong finish to the season and perhaps, a return to the podium to revive the original burger promotion's spirit.