Using success on the Australian karting scene as a springboard, Oscar Piastri got his first taste, as a 15-year old, of single-seater competition – two podium finishes in F4 UAE, promising and a sign of things to come.
From there, success flowed Oscar’s way. Formula Renault: champion. F3 champion. F2 champion (by more than 50 points), and each time in his first year in each discipline. Exceptional. Reminding of George Russell’s achievements. Piastri did not simply climb the single-seater ladder, he was running up, knocking loudly on the F1 door.
So impressive was Piastri that two F1 teams, Alpine and McLaren (and even Williams), fought over his services for 2023. Not bad for a 21 year old, who hasn’t even done one mile in an F1 race. After a meeting of the Contract Recognition Board, it was confirmed that it was McLaren that had the right to Piastri’s services.
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO declares: “We think Oscar is going to be a sensational racing driver. If you look at his career to date, he’s won a lot of championships in his first year – which always tells a driver is special.”
We have been closely watching Oscar Piastri while he was climbing up the ladder and believe the young driver is exceptional. Of course, he will need a few races to settle down, and he will need to soon show flashes of brilliance, to show his speed compared to his highly-rated team mate, Lando Norris. Exciting times at McLaren. We just can’t wait to see him action.