Apr 6, 2001
Aries
Melbourne, Australia
24 years old
N/A
N/A
Race Car Driver
Oscar Piastri: Australia's Rising Star in Formula One
Early Life and Background
Oscar Jack Piastri was born on April 6, 2001, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He grew up in the suburb of Brighton alongside his three younger sisters: Hattie, Edie, and Mae. Oscar's father, Chris Piastri, is the founder of HP Tuners, a vehicle diagnostics software company, and played a pivotal role in Oscar's early racing career by serving as his mechanic. Oscar's heritage is diverse, with Italian, Yugoslavian, and Chinese roots from his father's side, and Scottish and Irish ancestry from his mother's side. He attended Haileybury College in Melbourne before moving to England to further his racing career, completing his education at Haileybury and Imperial Service College. Oscar is known to be a fan of the Richmond Tigers in the AFL and supports the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. As of 2024, he is in a relationship with Lily Zneimer, an engineering graduate he met during his school years.
Junior Racing Career
Oscar's journey in motorsport began with radio-controlled car racing before transitioning to karting at the age of nine. In 2016, he competed in the Formula 4 UAE Championship, securing two podium finishes. The following year, he moved to the UK to race in the British F4 Championship, finishing as runner-up with six wins and six pole positions.
In 2019, Oscar clinched the Formula Renault Eurocup title with R-ace GP, achieving seven wins and 11 podiums. He continued his ascent by winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2021, both in his rookie seasons with Prema Racing. This remarkable feat made him the first driver to win Formula Renault, Formula 3, and Formula 2 consecutively.
Formula One Career with McLaren
Oscar joined McLaren as a full-time driver in 2023, partnering with Lando Norris. He made his F1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Throughout the season, Oscar showcased his talent by securing his first podium at the Japanese Grand Prix and winning the sprint race in Qatar. He concluded the season ninth in the Drivers' Championship with 97 points.
The 2024 season marked significant progress for Oscar. He achieved his maiden Grand Prix victory in Hungary, followed by a win in Azerbaijan. Oscar consistently performed well, securing multiple podiums and contributing to McLaren's first Constructors' Championship win since 1998. He finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship with 292 points.
In 2025, Oscar signed a contract extension with McLaren, committing to the team until at least the end of 2028. He began the season with strong performances, including victories in China, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. His win in Saudi Arabia propelled him to the top of the Drivers' Championship standings, making him the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010.
Driving Style and Recognition
Oscar is praised for his composure, adaptability, and analytical approach to racing. His ability to remain calm under pressure and make strategic decisions has drawn comparisons to drivers like Max Verstappen and Alain Prost. Teammates and rivals alike acknowledge his consistent performance and potential to become a world champion.
Personal Interests and Off-Track Activities
Outside of racing, Oscar maintains a low-profile personal life. He enjoys following various sports, including Australian Rules Football and cricket. Oscar's relationship with Lily Zneimer is a notable aspect of his personal life, and he often shares glimpses of their time together on social media.
Conclusion
Oscar Piastri's rapid rise through the ranks of motorsport, marked by consecutive championship wins and impressive performances in Formula One, positions him as one of the most promising talents in the sport. His dedication, skill, and strategic mindset continue to captivate fans and experts alike, as he aims to secure his place among the elite in Formula One.
