WATCH: Piastri crashes out of Sao Paulo Sprint in blow to championship hopes

Oscar Piastri's championship ambitions were thrown off course in Brazil as he found the barrier during the Sprint.

Oscar Piastri dramatically spun into the barrier during the Sprint in Sao Paulo, putting a dent in his hopes of picking up maximum points in a remarkably tight championship battle.

Conditions around Interlagos were treacherous from the formation lap onwards, with parts of the track appearing damp and slippery, making it tricky to find a racing line that was both dry and effective.

This came to a head on Lap 7, when Piastri drifted onto the kerb at Turn 3. The slick surface sent up a spray of water, forcing him into a spin that ended with his McLaren crashing into the wall and out of the Sprint.

There were eerily similar incidents for Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto, both of whom dropped a wheel onto the kerb before finding the barrier. The amount of debris resulted in the red flag being waved, temporarily halting the session.

Click go on the video player above to watch the moment that cost Piastri a handful of points.