Oscar Piastri’s ascent in the Formula 1 driver standings has garnered significant admiration from Australian racing enthusiasts. As a McLaren driver, he is poised to surpass the eight career race wins achieved by Daniel Ricciardo before the conclusion of the 2025 season. With his current momentum, he could even eclipse the achievements of his manager, Mark Webber, who claimed nine race victories during his time.
At just 24, Piastri is making a remarkable mark on Australian motorsport history, becoming the first Australian to reach the F1 driver rankings’ pinnacle since Alan Jones, who accomplished this feat 45 years ago. Unlike Jones, who secured 12 race wins over a decade, Piastri has the potential to outshine Australian F1 legends such as Jack Brabham, who holds the record with 14 wins.
Piastri has already secured six race victories and is on track to celebrate his 25th birthday in April next year. Dominating the current season, he has clinched four wins in the first six races, including a recent triumph in Miami, where he battled against teammate Lando Norris and four-time champion Max Verstappen. Piastri has become the first McLaren driver since Mika Hakkinen to achieve a hat-trick of consecutive wins, further solidifying his position.
In his career, Piastri has achieved 15 podium finishes and has two pole positions, extending his points-scoring streak to 32 weekends—the fourth-longest in F1 history. His move to McLaren at the end of the 2022 season was contentious, resulting in Ricciardo’s exit, but Piastri’s success has validated that decision, amassing 519 points in just over two full seasons compared to Ricciardo’s total of 1322 points over his lengthy career.
Having briefly raced alongside Ricciardo, who endorsed Piastri’s talent at the 2024 Melbourne Grand Prix, Piastri has made it clear that he is carving out his own identity in Formula 1, distinguishing himself from the charismatic Ricciardo. While Ricciardo has expanded his brand off the track, Piastri remains focused, allowing his racing performances to speak for themselves.
Currently, only 16 Australians have competed in Formula 1 since 1950, with just two, Jones and Brabham, winning championships. Piastri is positioning himself as a strong contender for the next Australian world champion, reminiscent of the glory days when Peter Brock dominated V8 Supercars.
With pundits like Martin Brundle and Jenson Button highlighting Piastri’s formidable presence once in the lead, the 2025 season promises to be groundbreaking for the young Australian star. F1 action resumes with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola next weekend, where fans eagerly anticipate further achievements from Piastri.