Australian fast-food chain Grill’d has issued a formal public apology following a significant revision to its promotional campaign tied to McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. The burger company’s original offer, which promised customers a complimentary bonus burger whenever Piastri achieved a podium finish in Formula 1 races, has been modified after an extended period without top-three results for the Australian racing driver.
The timing of this change comes as Piastri faces his most challenging stretch of the 2025 championship season.
Grill’d Announces New Conditions for Oscar Piastri Offer
Grill’d introduced the Oscar Piastri 81 burger promotion during the 2025 Formula 1 season, capitalizing on widespread public enthusiasm for Australia’s leading motorsport talent. The campaign offered customers a free bonus burger each time Piastri reached the podium, with the promotion specifically launching before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 7.
However, right after the offer was announced, Piastri started struggling in the championship races. Grill’d announced a revised promotion structure, modifying the original podium-dependent offer to instead award bonus burgers whenever Piastri participates in a Grand Prix, regardless of his finishing position.
The burger chain released an official statement addressing the unusual situation with characteristic humor while demonstrating genuine support for the struggling driver.
“To everyone who believes in the Curse, we’d like to apologise. To you, and to F1 fans everywhere,” the statement began. “We never meant to create a burger so delicious it could change the course of F1 history. So yes, we’re sorry. Sorry, our burgers slap that hard.”
The company further emphasized its unwavering commitment to Piastri, acknowledging his status as a homegrown Australian talent and stating that the team would always stand firmly in his corner.
“Sure, we can take a joke about a curse, but let’s be real, we’d never bet against a guy like Oscar Piastri. He’s our homegrown Aussie hero, and we’ll always be in his corner. Today, tomorrow, and forever – we’ve got your back, Oscar.”
The revised promotion remains active through December, providing Piastri with three remaining race opportunities to attempt a recovery in what has become an unexpectedly competitive final phase of the 2025 season.
Piastri’s Podium Drought Following the Special Offer by Grill’d
At the time the offer was announced, Piastri was enjoying remarkable form, leading the drivers’ championship standings by 34 points over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris following a dominant victory at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, 2025. His consistent performances throughout the season had positioned him as the favorite to claim his first Formula 1 world championship title.
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The dramatic reversal in Piastri’s form began immediately after his third-place finish in Monza. Since that September 7 race, the Australian has failed to secure a single podium placement across five consecutive race weekends.
His performance deteriorated sharply at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 21, where he crashed out on the opening lap after a jump start, ending his remarkable 34-race points-scoring streak.
Subsequent races delivered disappointing results, including a fourth-place finish in Singapore on October 5, followed by fifth-place finishes in Austin on October 19, Mexico City on October 26, and São Paulo on November 9.
This alarming downturn has resulted in a complete reversal of the championship picture, with Norris now leading the standings by 24 points with just three races remaining in the season.
