Grill'd Modifies Piastri Promo After Podium Drought

Australian burger chain Grill'd has been forced to adjust its promotion centered around McLaren driver Oscar Piastri after his streak of podium finishes ended post-Italian Grand Prix. The initial offer promised a free 'bonus' burger for every podium, but due to a recent dip in performance, the promotion now applies whenever Piastri simply finishes a race.

Why it matters:

This change highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 performance, even for rising stars. What began as a high-flying promotion reflecting Piastri's early season success has had to adapt to recent challenges, underscoring the fine margins and intense competition at the pinnacle of motorsport. It's a small but visible indicator of how quickly fortunes can shift in F1, affecting not just teams and drivers but also their commercial partners.

The Details:

• Original Promotion: Grill'd initially offered a free 'bonus' burger for every race Oscar Piastri finished on the podium.
• Performance Shift: Since the Italian Grand Prix in early September, Piastri has not secured a single podium finish.
• Promotion Adjustment: Consequently, Grill'd changed the terms: customers now receive a free burger when Piastri simply finishes a race, regardless of his position.
• Current Standings: A disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix further widened the gap between Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris from one point to 24, with Max Verstappen rapidly closing in.
• Season Trajectory: Piastri began the year strongly with multiple wins and consistent podiums but lost momentum post-summer, including a crash in Baku and relinquishing the championship lead to Norris in Mexico.

Between the lines:

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged Piastri's improved pace in the later stints of the Brazilian Grand Prix, noting good learning from recent low-grip conditions. He expressed optimism for the upcoming races, especially after Piastri successfully executed adaptations during the race. While Vegas presents its own unique challenges, Stella believes the team is heading to circuits where tire behavior should be more 'normal,' giving Piastri more stable ground to perform.

What's next:

The promotion continues until mid-December, giving Piastri three more race weekends to potentially improve his standing. Despite recent setbacks, the team's internal analysis shows encouraging signs in his race pace and adaptability. If Piastri can leverage this learning and the team's optimism for upcoming 'normal' circuits, he might still deliver some strong finishes for both McLaren and burger enthusiasts.