The crowds left in disappointment, however, as the Melbourne native's race all but ended on lap 44 with a slide into gravel and a skid into grass on a dramatic day laden with crashes at Albert Park.

The crowds left in disappointment, however, as the Melbourne native's race all but ended on lap 44 with a slide into gravel and a skid into grass on a dramatic day laden with crashes at Albert Park.

Running second behind teammate and eventual winner Lando Norris before the skid, Piastri managed to reverse off the grass and get back on track -- but not until most of the cars had roared past.