Formula 1: Veteran commentator earmarks Australian young gun Oscar Piastri for world title glory
After producing the drive of his young career to win a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, young Australian Oscar Piastri is being earmarked for world glory.
In a grid that features at least three future legends of the sport, it’s the 23-year-old from Melbourne dominating the headlines after taking and defending the lead around the mean, twisting streets of Baku for a second career win.
Piastri is in just his second Formula One campaign after replacing countryman and West Australian Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren in 2023.
The team in Papuya have made no secret of their excitement at what they believe their driver can achieve, but one veteran Formula One insider has already pencilled in the Aussie for world domination.
“As soon as he became aware that Oscar was available, [McLaren CEO] Zak Brown jumped at the chance to sign a driver who I think has all the attributes to be a world champion one day,” David Croft told Fox Sports.
“I’m not saying Lando (his teammate) doesn’t — I think he has too — but I think it’s quite clear that Oscar is one of the most level-headed, calm, dependable drivers with exceptional talent that we see on the grid.
“I think, and I’ve said this before, he is a world champion in the making. There is no mistake of that whatsoever.
“McLaren know this, identified this, and that’s why they didn’t turn down the opportunity to bring him into the fold.
Camera IconOscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit. Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
“I think he will push Lando, and I think Lando will push him, and I think that will be to the benefit of the team.”
McLaren poached Piastri in controversial circumstances from Alpine, who had to retract an announcement that the young Aussie, who was trained in their academy, world race for them in 2023 after he refuted their claims on social media.
Piastri has quickly made it clear that while he might technically be the No.2 driver behind rising English star Lando Norris, he is equally talented and hungry for success.
At the famed Monza circuit in Italy, Piastri made an incredible move through the second chicane to take the lead from Norris, who had started on the pole, but ultimately had to settle for second after Ferrari mastered a one-stop strategy.
And while rivalries like the one that is building between Norris and Piastri, especially after Norris almost cost the Australian his maiden Grand Prix by refusing team orders, can take down teams, Croft says to bring the historic Australia-England sporti9ng rivalry to the world’s fastest motorsport can only add to the product.
“I think that it is very healthy in life to have a clear rival, and when it comes to sport, England-Australia is always a clear rivalry, and in all the best ways,” the Sky Sports F1 commentator said.
“I think it’s a rivalry that brings out the best in the competitors each time they play.
“Be that cricket, be that some of the netball series that we see, be that athletics on the track, be it rugby union or rugby league — whatever — there’s always a real intensity between England and Australia.
“McLaren should use that to their best effect, because if it does bring out the best in the competitors, it does see them move to new higher levels and push themselves harder, that is only good for the team as well.”
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