Melbourne Man Performs Hook Turn

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has reminded the nation why hook turns are best left to trams and confused New South Welshpeople after executing a textbook one into a concrete wall at Albert Park on Sunday.

Piastri, who was not even racing at the time, lost control of his McLaren on the recon lap to the grid and spun into the barriers at the exit of Turn 4, ending his Australian Grand Prix before a single light had gone out.

A sold-out grandstand bearing his name on the main straight reportedly fell silent as Piastri's car made a sudden and decisive right-hand turn into the wall like a bloke who's just realised he needed to be in the right lane on Spring Street.

McLaren team boss Zak Brown told reporters the team was still investigating the cause but conceded it looked a lot like someone trying to turn right from the left lane on Collins Street.

Piastri was forced to watch the remainder of the race from the paddock.

More to come.