Oscar Piastri melted hearts at Albert Park with a touching moment alongside a courageous young fan battling cancer, Kruz Seumanutafa.
Just hours before qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix, six-year-old Kruz, wearing a mini McLaren race suit, experienced a dream come true.
Diagnosed with a rare type of leukaemia, Kruz had spent two days in hospital and was in theatre only the day before meeting his hero. Yet, nothing could stop him from this special encounter.
As crowds parted behind the Formula 1 paddock, Oscar Piastri approached Kruz, embracing him warmly and presenting a signed mini-helmet replica.
‘That was absolutely amazing – that was everything we could have asked for as a wish come true,’ said Kruz’s mother, Lauren.
The opportunity was made possible through the My Room children’s cancer charity.
Oscar Piastri presents young fan Kruz Seumanutafa with a mini replica helmet ahead of the Melbourne GP
The pair shared a warm embrace, with Piastri hailed for taking the time to make the young fan’s day at Albert Park
Kruz’s family shares a deep love for Formula 1, a passion fostered by his father, John, who has long been a dedicated fan.
‘His dad has been an F1 fan for years, so, naturally, his kids are also F1 fans,’ Lauren said.
Over the past week, the family has bonded even further, binge-watching the popular series Drive to Survive.
The moment with Piastri offered the Seumanutafa family much-needed relief from their challenging journey.
Lauren revealed Kruz had undergone a bone marrow transplant last year but sadly relapsed in September.
‘We’re currently praying for a miracle,’ she said.
Despite recent hospital visits, Lauren said, ‘You wouldn’t know it,’ as Kruz bravely faced the day.
The visit to Albert Park provided a distraction and joy that lifted their spirits.
Piastri looked calm and composed as he met the home town supporters before qualifying
Thousands of Aussies piled in to get selfies and autographs from the young F1 star
‘It definitely takes our mind off what’s to come. This is amazing for our family,’ Lauren said.
Following their meeting with Oscar Piastri, the family enjoyed an exclusive tour of the F1 paddock and the McLaren garage.
Although appreciative, Lauren said, ‘Honestly, I’d rather be boring and healthy than have these experiences, but we’re grateful for this opportunity. He’s a tough little boy who has been through a lot.’
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri entered the Australian GP weekend with high aspirations, aiming to break Australia’s 40-year drought without a home winner.
Piastri and McLaren teammate Lando Norris impressed with strong performances during Friday’s practice sessions, fuelling hopes of a podium finish.
Piastri described the day’s pace as ‘pretty solid,’ adding, ‘Still, a few things to try and iron out make the car feel a bit nicer, but I think the underlying pace seems strong.’
This followed promising signs from McLaren in pre-season testing, despite cautious optimism from team boss Andrea Stella regarding championship expectations.
With Sunday’s forecast indicating a high chance of showers, weather emerged as an unpredictable factor for the race.
Piastri is hoping to become the first Australian to win the home GP after a 40-year drought
McLaren is tracking well in practice and Piastri has a genuine shot to make history in Melbourne
Piastri acknowledged the changing conditions: ‘It’s going to be pretty different for the next two days… how much today means, we don’t know, but it feels pretty good.’
Inspired by Friday’s performance, Piastri dared to dream about achieving what no Australian has done since the race joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1985 – winning his home Grand Prix.
‘We don’t want to just try and end for the podium, we want to aim for the top,’ Piastri said.
Qualifying will commence at 4pm AEDT.
