Oscar Piastri: The story of the almost champion.
Getting to the top in Formula One is a task beyond just being an athlete, and nobody is more used to this than the man who has made it almost to the top on countless occasions. However, in only his second season of Formula One, Oscar Piastri has finally done it, he beat the final hurdle and saw himself secure his maiden win. This is the story of the almost champion (and definite Formula One race winner).
While only securing his first win in Formula One at Hungary, the Australian driver is not new to the feeling of success. Piastri came into his rookie season in Formula One in 2023 with a title in both Formula 3 and Formula 2. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Piastri's racing journey began in karting, where he quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His success in karting led to a move to Europe, where he competed in various junior categories. Piastri clinched the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019, followed by the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020, and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2021. This only brought him to the attention of the Formula One grid, landing himself in the Alpine junior academy and shortly after securing his iconic seat at McLaren in 2023 alongside Lando Norris.
In everything Piastri does on track his natural talent to race is undeniable by everyone who watches, before the 2024 season in which he secured his maiden win, Piastri had already seen the top step of the Formula One podium when he dominated the Qatar sprint race to take home P1. So, by the time the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix came to lights out, the reaction to his almost win was of no surprise, being left with an impressive second-place finish, Piastri displayed fantastic composure, comradeship, and ability to remain consistent and ahead of seasoned victors like Verstappen and Hamilton. In fact, fan discussion highlights that Piastri’s P2 was no reflection of his capabilities, claiming that the strategy at McLaren cost Piastri his win.
Piastri's fighting journey to success is also credited to the dynamics within the McLaren team. On multiple occasions the strategy produced my McLaren’s team has forced Piastri into a lesser finishing position, Austria was just the most recent. In a wrongly timed and slow pitstop issued by the team, Piastri had to watch as Russell claimed victory in a gap the size of his pitstop. Similarly, Hungary almost saw Piastri not finish on top. Partnered with Lando Norris, the team at McLaren called the British driver in for a pitstop first. Norris, a seasoned McLaren driver, then refused to give Piastri the position back as team orders requested, leaving Piastri stuck in second until the final three laps when Norris gave it up. In spite of this, Piastri handled the situation well and with comradery. While this all seems to fill McLaren with controversy and an image that they aren’t a team to beat, it would be unfair to ignore the progress the team has made since Piastri’s rookie season. After struggling to reach competitive standards in 2023, McLaren find themselves fighting for the podium most weekends of the 2024 season, with at least one driver finishing on the steps.
So, what does this suggest of the future prospects of Oscar Piastri? Well, simply, a world championship is on the horizon for the Australian. With his consistent performances and growing confidence, Oscar Piastri is emerging as a potential contender for a soaring future championship victory. Currently sitting fifth the 2024 standings with 149 points, Piastri's focus and determination could see him challenge the likes of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, George Russell and Charles Leclerc for the title. As the season progresses, his ability to maintain form and capitalize on opportunities will be key to his championship dreams. While statistically being labled a future champion, Piastri also seems to be a fan favourite for the title from McLaren supporters and not alike.
Piastri's rise to the top invites comparisons with other young talents in Formula 1. Drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris have similarly taken the sport by storm, each carving out a reputation for themselves and finding themselves victorious. Piastri's success seems to be part of a broader trend of young drivers reshaping the competitive landscape of Formula 1. Russell, now a two time race winner with the iconic Mercedes, and Norris, consistent with McLaren, are part of this new wave of talent that is challenging historic standout stars. Piastri's performances this season place him in the same league, highlighting the depth of talent in the current F1 grid.
Oscar Piastri's journey from a junior driver to Formula 1 race winner and future champion is a story of talent, hard work, and consistent composure. As he continues to impress on the track, his potential to become a future world champion grows ever more apparent. With McLarens mechanical development continuing, Piastri is likely to see himself at the top once again. As the racing world watches closely, Oscar Piastri's rise is a thrilling chapter in the evolving narrative of Formula 1.
Title image from Speed Cafe.
