Grill’d Issues Apology to Oscar piastri Amidst “Burger Curse” Claims
MELBOURNE,AUSTRALIA – Australian burger chain Grill’d has responded with humor to recent social media speculation linking its brand to a perceived downturn in Formula 1 driver Oscar PiastriS performance,issuing a tongue-in-cheek apology to the McLaren driver. The lighthearted exchange began following Piastri‘s struggles during the recent Japanese Grand Prix weekend, where he reported unusual tire behavior and a meaningful drop in pace from practice to qualifying.
Fans quickly seized on a 2022 interview where piastri revealed a childhood aversion to beetroot, a popular topping at Grill’d restaurants. Social media users jokingly attributed his performance dip to a ”Grill’d curse,” suggesting the burger chain’s beetroot-centric offerings were somehow impacting the young Australian’s racing form. Grill’d acknowledged the online chatter,posting a playful apology on X (formerly Twitter) and offering Piastri a lifetime supply of beetroot-free burgers.
“We’re deeply sorry to hear our delicious beetroot may be impacting Oscar’s on-track performance,” the company stated. “We’re happy to provide a lifetime supply of burgers, completely beetroot-free, to ensure he’s fueled for success. No hard feelings, Oscar – we’re still rooting for you!”
Piastri, currently 10th in the Formula 1 World Championship standings, had previously enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, securing podium finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. However, recent races have seen him struggle to replicate that form. Following the Japanese Grand Prix,Piastri expressed frustration with the unpredictable tyre performance,stating,”The soft tyre was obviously behaving very strangely this weekend. It was hardly better than the medium.” He also noted the difficulty in adapting to the changing conditions, adding, “I’m also trying to work on how I can adapt to that better and kind of add more tools to my arsenal.”
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by Formula 1 drivers and the frequently enough-unconventional ways fans engage with the sport. While the “burger curse” is clearly a playful fabrication, it underscores the passionate following Piastri has garnered in his home contry and the lighthearted nature of online fan culture. Grill’d’s response has further amplified the conversation, generating positive brand awareness and demonstrating a willingness to engage with its audience in a humorous and relatable manner. The next race on the Formula 1 calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix, where Piastri will aim to put the “curse” behind him and return to the podium.
