Oscar Piastri

Born: 06/04/2001 Melbourne, Australia 

Oscar Piastri’s decorated – albeit convoluted – route to the premier ranks has certainly attracted more headlines than the average Formula 1 debutant. 

Following in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen and Lando Norris by making his F1 debut with McLaren, the buildup to Piastri’s much anticipated premiere was both belated and been fraught with controversy. 

Seemingly set on a fast track towards F1 after landing a hat-trick of feeder category titles – Formula Renault Eurocup, Formula 3 and Formula 2 – consecutively between 2019 and 2021, Piastri was hotly tipped to be promoted to an Alpine seat for 2022, courtesy of his prominent role within its (formerly Renault-endorsed) driver academy.  

However, Alpine’s decision to retain Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso consigned Piastri to the sidelines for 2022, prompting him to seek alternative options for an F1 seat the following season. His patience looked to be rewarded when Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at McLaren became available, Piastri first in line to begin talks and negotiate a deal for the 2023 F1 season.  

Alpine, having been caught unawares by Alonso’s shock Aston Martin deal, quickly reacted in an effort to block Piastri’s move to McLaren by taking up an option in his contract in order to keep him in the team.  

Upon announcing a deal to the media, Piastri quickly pledged allegiance to McLaren and attempted to distance himself from Alpine, going on to claim that the news was made public before he had even been consulted on the deal. 

With McLaren and Alpine laying claim to the driver’s services for 2023, it led to a hearing at the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) to settle the dispute. The board would ultimately rule in favour of McLaren, releasing Piastri to race in his rookie campaign alongside Norris.