Oscar Piastri’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended in disaster on the opening lap, compounding a torrid weekend for F1’s championship leader. Starting ninth following a crash in Saturday’s qualifying, Piastri’s race unraveled immediately. The 24-year-old jumped the start, triggering his McLaren’s anti-stall mode and dropping him to the back of the field. But his troubles deepened at Turn 5, where he locked his brakes and slammed head-on into the barriers, triggering yellow flags and ending his race. The incident hands a solid opportunity to Norris, who could significantly slash Piastri’s championship lead depending on where he finishes his race.