Formula 1 fast-riser Oscar Piastri joins elite company with Hungary Grand Prix win

Jul 25, 2024

Formula 1 star and Goulburn Valley export Oscar Piastri took his place with victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. (Photo: AP/Denes Erdos) Photo by Denes Erdos

Oscar Piastri has entered his name into Australian motorsport folklore after claiming his first Formula 1 race victory.

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Piastri won the Hungarian Grand Prix at the weekend from McLaren teammate Lando Norris with revered Brit Lewis Hamilton placing third.

With the win, Piastri, who has strong family ties to Shepparton, becomes the fifth Australian to claim a Formula 1 race win after legendary figure Jack Brabham and fellow Drivers’ title winner Alan Jones, followed by Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo in more recent times.

Piastri qualified second behind his teammate and pushed off the start line brilliantly, assuming the race lead heading into the first turn.

The win came in admittedly controversial circumstances, with British McLaren lead driver Norris initially not ceding position to Piastri during the race after claiming a lead later on, having received preferential pit treatment from the team.

McLaren, in invoking team orders, eventually ensured Norris would yield his position after he had held out on following through for almost a third of the race.

Regardless of surrounding circumstances, the 23-year-old Australian received first place back on lap 68 of 70 and continued on unabated for his first career checkered flag.

In a statement, Motorsport Australia chief executive Sunil Vohra was one of many back home offering their congratulatory adulation as Piastri drove his way into history, claiming his place on the top step at the Hungaroring circuit.

“On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, we’re thrilled for Oscar and his family, his management team led by Mark Webber and of course the team at McLaren on this historic victory,” Vohra said.

“Oscar has done Australia proud today and we know this win will be the first of many in what will be a long and successful Formula 1 career.

“The success of Oscar on this stage is a huge boost for Australian motorsport.

“We know there are many more Aussie drivers competing both here in Australia and in Europe ready to follow in his footsteps and Motorsport Australia stands ready to support the next generation.”