Piastri hits Sainz with JINX claim after disastrous Belgian Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri has bemoaned the early end to his Belgian Grand Prix but said he feels ‘positive’ for the rest of the F1 season.

The McLaren driver had a stellar Saturday in Spa, taking P2 in the sprint race, but during the Grand Prix had early contact with Carlos Sainz and retired on the first lap of the race.

Piastri, who is in his rookie F1 season, said it was ‘difficult’ for McLaren but that the team should still be ‘happy with what we’ve done’.

He even joked about getting an 'early holiday' due to his short stint on track.

The Australian driver tweeted: "The highs and lows of Spa. Early summer holiday for me."

The highs and lows of Spa. Early summer holiday for me. pic.twitter.com/IQM4cTGL6b

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) July 30, 2023

After the race, he told F1TV: “I think obviously I had a pretty good launch getting alongside Carlos, and then he kind of jinxed the inside a bit and obviously had to get out the brakes to not get hit.

“And then, my nose was kind of there, and at that point, it was too late to try and back out, so unfortunately, it ended up in contact. It's a shame to end so early.

“Yeah, I think overall we can still be happy with what we've done.

“Obviously, the first top-three finish yesterday, being very competitive in the qualifying sessions.

“It's obviously looking pretty difficult out there for us today. But I think we can still be proud, especially of the last few weekends we've had as well.

“So, positive for the rest of the year, and we'll see what we can do.”

READ MORE: Remembering Spa '98 and Schumacher's raging attempt to ASSAULT rival

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton skips drivers meeting as F1 champion hit with penalty verdict

• 17 minutes ago

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff launches extraordinary 'Teletubbies' rant at rival teams

• 24 minutes ago

FIA failure after Kimi Antonelli shown bizarre flag at Hungarian Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

FIA announce late Lewis Hamilton penalty at Hungarian Grand Prix

• 2 hours ago

F1 Standings 2026: Latest points table as Lewis Hamilton falters in title battle

• 2 hours ago

F1 Results Today: Hungarian Grand Prix times and positions

• 2 hours ago