Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri faced a chorus of jeers from sections of the crowd during a guest appearance at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground this weekend. The incident occurred just weeks after the McLaren star's agonisingly close defeat in the 2024 F1 World Drivers' Championship.
Barmy Army Taunts F1 Star on Famous Turf
Piastri was being interviewed on the hallowed turf during the tea break on day two of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and England when the taunting began. England's travelling Barmy Army supporters were clearly heard singing 'You're just a s**t Lando Norris' at the Melburnian driver, who was standing in the middle of the ground.
The chant was a direct reference to Piastri's fierce intra-team rivalry with his English McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. The championship battle went down to the wire at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Norris ultimately clinched the title by a mere 13 points. Piastri had led the standings for much of the season before a late slump saw him overtaken by both Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Aussie Fans Brand Piastri a 'Bad Luck Charm'
In a twist of sporting irony, Piastri also found himself becoming the butt of jokes from disappointed Australian cricket fans. The home side suffered a stunning two-day defeat on a controversial pitch, a result that left Cricket Australia facing significant financial losses and supporters furious.
On social media, fans light-heartedly branded the F1 driver a jinx. One supporter wrote, 'The only test Oscar went to, is now the one Australia is losing. Man can't catch a break.' Another added, 'Another test over on day 2. Oscar is truly cursed.' The comments drew parallels between the cricket collapse and Piastri's own championship near-miss, with a third fan noting, 'Like the [drivers] championship, Aussies are snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.'
From Simulator to Stadium: Piastri's Cricket Passion
Despite the ribbing, Piastri was warmly received by the Australian players on the field. He was greeted by fast bowler Mitchell Starc and posed for photos with Starc, Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and rested captain Pat Cummins.
Piastri is a lifelong cricket enthusiast who played at club level in Melbourne as a youngster. His connection with the national team is well-established; the squad visited the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking in June, where players tried the team's simulator. Spinner Nathan Lyon joked at the time about the experience of trying to keep up with Piastri's virtual driving.
In his interview at the MCG, Piastri recalled attending Boxing Day Tests as a fan and watching David Warner's debut in 2009. He also reaffirmed his strong working relationship with Norris, stating, 'We get on well... I think we're hopefully going to be battling each other for championships for many years to come.'
The events at the MCG highlight how Piastri's F1 season finale has crossed over into the wider sporting consciousness, blending the high-stakes drama of motorsport with the fierce rivalry of the Ashes.
