Australian restaurant chain apologises for burger curse as Oscar Piastri hopes to turn F1 season around

In a lighthearted twist in the world of sports, Grill’d, an Australian burger chain, recently issued an apology to 24-year-old Formula One driver Oscar Piastri for what they termed a 'curse' stemming from a promotional campaign. The campaign offered free burgers for every podium finish Piastri achieved, but as his performance faltered, the promotion was humorously blamed for his struggles. Piastri, who races for McLaren, is currently working hard to turn around his season, and his manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, has publicly backed him, expressing optimism about Piastri's potential to bounce back. This incident highlights the intersection of sports culture and marketing, where even a promotional gimmick can take on a life of its own, affecting public perception and athlete morale.