By Joe Murphy
Oscar Piastri certainly has all the tools to be a future world champion. When he came into F1 to replace Daniel Ricciardo fans were ready with symbolic swords and were ready to take it to the young Australian for being somewhat responsible for the removal of his elder statesman.
However, he rookie season was full on success and he achieved more than most in his debut year. However, there are still some things that even hardcore fans of the McLaren do not know. Let’s delve into some of them…
1. He is the first drive to win three consecutive championships prior to entry into F1!
Yep, even Charles Leclerc an George Russell could only manage two. This record was unprecedented and looks set to stay that way for the foreseeable future. From F4 to F2, he dominated everywhere he went.
2. Officially, Piastri is the the best rookie ever!
Of course, what we mean by this is that he won more awards than any before him. Like with his championship wins, he won three back-to-back “Rookie of the Year” awards, something no other driver in history has managed to do. The aforementioned Leclerc only won two, as did seven-time World Champion; Lewis Hamilton.
3. The Australian is also Italian!
Again, with this entry the devil is well and truly in the detail. Piastri was born in Melbourne. However, due to his parents being Italian, he can also claim that citizenship. What is it with Italian and Australian heritage mixing to create amazing drivers, eh?
4. Alfa Romeo turned him down for Zhou!
Whilst it is largely known that Oscar Piastri originated from the Alpine academy, what isn’t common knowledge is the fact that Alfa Romeo were the first team in to take him off their books. After internal discussions, they opted for Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou, leaving the door open for McLaren to swoop in.
5. He had ties with Red Bull!
When Piastri signed for Arden, the team run by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s father Gary, he was one of their most promising drivers. In fact, it was in front of the Red Bull Team Principal where he claimed his first win in a racing car. Oulton Park hosted a reverse-grid race at Oulton Park. This was the same season he claimed five victories and ended the campaign as runner up. Red Bull were said to be keeping an eye on Oscar, but decided against bringing him in. I wonder if they regret this now as a Piastri/Verstappen is a mouth watering prospect.
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