Oscar Piastri melted hearts in Albert Park with a moving moment with a brave young fan who fights cancer, Kruz Seumanutafa.
Only a few hours before qualifying in the Australia Grand Prix, Kruz, six years old, with a mini McLaren race costume, experienced a dream come true.
Diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia, Kruz had spent two days in the hospital and was in the theater only the day before he met his hero. However, nothing could stop it from this special encounter.
When the crowds separated behind the paddock from Formula 1, Oscar Piasstri approached Kruz, hugging him hotly and presenting a signed hydromatic mini replica.
“That was absolutely incredible, that was all we could have asked for as a desire,” said Kruz's mother, Lauren.
The opportunity was possible through the beneficial organization for Childhood Cancer of My Room.
Oscar Piastri presents the young fan Kruz Seumanutafa with a mini replica helmet in front of the Melbourne GP
The couple shared a warm hug, with Piastri acclaimed for taking the time to make the day of young fans in Albert Park
Kruz's family shares a deep love for Formula 1, a passion promoted by his father, John, who has long been a dedicated fan.
“His father has been an F1 fan for years, so, naturally, his children are also fans of F1,” said Lauren.
During the past week, the family has joined even more, seeing the popular series of the series to survive.
The moment with Piastri offered the family relieved of his challenging trip.
Lauren revealed that Kruz had undergone a bone marrow transplant last year, but unfortunately relapsed in September.
“We are currently praying for a miracle,” he said.
Despite the recent hospital visits, Lauren said: “You wouldn't know it,” since Kruz bravely faced the day.
The visit to Albert Park provided a distraction and joy that raised his mood.
Piastri seemed calm and composed while knew the supporters of the hometown before qualifying
Thousands of Australians accumulated to obtain selfies and autographs of the young star of F1
He definitely takes away our minds of what is to come. This is surprising for our family, “said Lauren.
After its meeting with Oscar Piastri, the family enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Paddock of F1 and the McLaren garage.
Although appreciative, Lauren said: 'honestly, I prefer to be boring and healthy than having these experiences, but we are grateful for this opportunity. He is a hard child who has gone through a lot.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri entered the weekend of Australian GP with high aspirations, with the aim of breaking the 40 -year drought of Australia without a house winner.
Piastri and his teammate in McLaren, Lando Norris, impressed with strong performances during Friday's practice sessions, feeding the hopes of a podium.
Piastri described the rhythm of the day as “quite solid,” adding, “even so, some things to try to solve making the car feel a little more pleasant, but I think the underlying rhythm seems strong.”
This followed the promising McLaren signs in the preseason tests, despite the cautious optimism of the Andrea Stella team with respect to the expectations of the championship.
With Sunday's forecast that indicates a great possibility of showers, the weather arose as an unpredictable factor for the race.
Piastri hopes to become the first Australian to win the homeboard doctor after a 40 -year -old drought
McLaren is tracking well in practice and Piastri has a genuine shot to make history in Melbourne
Piastri recognized the changing conditions: “It will be quite different for the next two days … how much does it mean today, we don't know, but it feels quite well.”
Inspired by Friday's performance, Piastri dared to dream of achieving what Australian has not done since the race joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1985, winning his Grand Prix of origin.
“We do not want to try to end for the podium, we want to point to the top,” Piastri said.
The qualification will begin at 4pm AEDT.