Oscar Piastri’s title hopes took a major hit after he crashed out of the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday, in a bizarre sequence that saw three drivers lose control at the same corner in damp conditions.
On lap eight, Piastri was running third and chasing Kimi Antonelli when his McLaren slid wide at Turn 3. The Australian dipped a wheel on the wet kerb, spun, and slammed nose-first into the barriers.
Drama in #F1Sprint as Piastri crashes out! 😮#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/rRbfLf6SLQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 8, 2025
Moments later, Nico Hulkenberg in his Sauber and Franco Colapinto in the Alpine made identical errors — both skidding off and into the same section of barrier.
While Hulkenberg was able to limp back to the pits, both Piastri and Colapinto were forced to retire. The heavy impact damaged the barriers, prompting the deployment of the safety car, followed by a red flag as marshals worked to make repairs.
Colapinto and Hulkenberg also found the barriers at Turn 3
Hulkenberg got going and has made his way back to the pits #F1Sprint #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/aCJbedgXHA
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 8, 2025
The stoppage lasted around 20 minutes before the Sprint restarted from a standing start.
The crash marked a huge setback for Piastri, who came into São Paulo just one point behind teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings. With Norris starting from pole and leading comfortably before the red flag, the Brit looks set to extend his lead heading into Sunday’s main Grand Prix.
The chaotic sequence at Interlagos unfolded under tricky track conditions after earlier rain left puddles and slick patches in several corners. Antonelli even reported over team radio that Norris’s car had sprayed water across the racing line, catching out the cars behind.
The incident underscored how treacherous the short Sprint format can be — and how quickly fortunes can turn in the 2025 F1 title fight.
As the grid resets for Sunday’s race, Norris now has momentum firmly on his side, while Piastri faces an uphill climb to get back into contention.
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