Oscar Piastri: Rising Star of F… read more
Born on April 6, 2001, in Melbourne, Australia, Oscar Jack Piastri has swiftly risen through the ranks of motorsport to become one of Formula 1’s most exciting young talents. At just 23 years old, Piastri is currently navigating his second season with McLaren, having already made a significant mark in his rookie year. His path to the top of the racing world is a testament to his skill, dedication, and relentless ambition.
Piastri’s motorsport journey began in karting circuits across Australia, where he quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for racing. Recognizing the need to compete against the best, he moved to Europe, the heartland of competitive motorsport. At the age of 15, he relocated to the United Kingdom and debuted in single-seaters in the Formula 4 UAE Championship. His performance was impressive, earning two podiums and finishing sixth overall, which led to a move to the more competitive British F4 series.
In 2017, racing with the TRS Arden Junior Racing Team in British F4, Piastri truly began to shine. He ended the season as the championship runner-up, securing six wins and six pole positions. His growing reputation as a formidable talent earned him a seat in the Formula Renault Eurocup for the 2018 season. After a solid year, he returned in 2019 with R-ace GP and dominated the series, clinching the championship title through a consistent run of victories.
Building on this success, Piastri advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020 with Prema Racing. Despite a disrupted season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he made an immediate impact by winning the season-opening race in Austria. He maintained strong form throughout the year, including another win in Spain, and secured the F3 title in a tense final race. His outstanding campaign earned him a place in the Renault Sport Academy and a chance to test a Formula 1 car for the first time.
In 2021, Piastri moved up to Formula 2, stepping in for the reigning champion Mick Schumacher. Racing once again with Prema, he quickly adapted to the new challenge, claiming his first win in the second sprint race of the season. He went on to deliver a dominant performance throughout the year, winning multiple races and ultimately taking the F2 championship title—cementing his place as one of the most promising prospects in the sport.
Despite his success, Piastri faced a challenging 2022 without a race seat. He remained active as a reserve driver for Alpine and also had a backup role with McLaren. In mid-2022, following Fernando Alonso’s shock move to Aston Martin, Alpine announced Piastri as his replacement. However, Piastri publicly denied signing with Alpine, sparking a contract dispute that eventually went to Formula 1’s Contract Recognition Board. The board ruled in favor of McLaren, and Piastri was officially confirmed as a full-time McLaren driver for the 2023 season.
Piastri’s rookie F1 season was nothing short of remarkable. He finished ninth in the drivers’ standings with 97 points, claimed a sprint race victory in Qatar, and secured two podiums in Qatar and Japan. These accomplishments made him the first rookie since Lewis Hamilton in 2007 to score multiple podium finishes. His stellar debut earned him the FIA Rookie of the Year award.
Off the track, Piastri is reported to have an estimated net worth bolstered by his McLaren deal, which is valued around $8 million annually—including a $3 million base salary and $5 million in bonuses. In his personal life, Piastri is in a relationship with Lily Zneimer, his girlfriend of several years, and the two have been seen together at numerous events.
Oscar Piastri’s story is still being written, but it’s clear that he has all the makings of a future F1 champion.
