Last week the 20-year-old scooped the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award — named after Australia's first Formula 1 world champion.
By receiving the accolade, Piastri joins a who’s who of Australian motorsport, with greats such as Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber listed as others to have been previously bestowed the title.
Piastri’s own recognition stems from a remarkable year on the track.
Signing with Italian outfit Prema Racing, he jumped into the cut and thrust against some of the best young international talents in the 2020 FIA Formula Three Championship.
Piastri displayed a cool head throughout the high intensity, high-octane fueled campaign, eventually taking out the championship with two wins and four podium finishes — being the first Australian to do so.
His latest achievement kicks off 2021 in the best possible way, after being named to start in the FIA Formula Two Championship.
Elated to be named as recipient of the 2020 Sir Jack Brabham Award, Piastri acknowledged the merit attached to the honour.
“To win this award is a massive honour. Not just because of the award in general, but also having Sir Jack’s name attached to it — it’s very special,” Piastri said.
“Knowing everything he has achieved in the sport such as his three world championships and running his own successful team, it means a lot.
“It’s also very cool to have my name amongst the previous winners. To be recognised in that calibre of drivers and amongst those names is very special.
“It’s nice to have my hard work and success from F3 recognised, so a big thank you to Motorsport Australia for giving me this honour.”
Ahead of Piastri’s debut FIA Formula Two Motorsport campaign in March, Motorsport Australia president Andrew Fraser raved about the 20-year-old’s blossoming career.
“After a such a strong season, Oscar is a very worthy recipient of the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award,” Fraser said.
“Oscar was a shining light in 2020 and we all know that he has a bright future ahead of him, and this award is proof of the high regard in which he is already held here in Australia.
“I wish him all the best for his maiden season in the FIA Formula Two Championship and look forward to watching on from afar, along with the rest of Australia who will be cheering him on in 2021.”
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