Source: Motorsport Australia motorsport.org.au
Oscar Piastri has joined the likes of Formula 1 race winners Mark Webber and Daniel Riccardo by being the latest recipient of the Sir Jack Brabham award, presented by Motorsport Australia.
The award, recognises the outstanding achievements and success by an Australian motorsport competitor at an international level.
Following winning the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup series, Piastri joined Prema Racing for the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship. The season was shortened to just nine rounds with Piastri taking out the championship with two race wins, four podiums and only finishing out of the top 10 in just three races.
This was the first time an Australian took out an international Formula 3 Championship, and Piastri was rewarded by Renault with a test drive in its Formula 1 car. In December he was promoted to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the 2021 season driving for Prema Racing alongside Russian driver Robert Schwartzman.
Piastri said the award was an honour because of the name attached to it.
“To win this award is a massive honour. Not just because of the award in general, but also having Sir Jack’s name attached to it. It’s very special,”
“Knowing everything he has achieved is in the sport such as his three world championships and running his own successful team, it means a lot.”
“It’s also very cool to have my name amongst the previous winners. To be recognised in that calibre of drivers and amongst those names is very special.
“Winning the award is one of those things where it’s a real honour to have it on your CV. It’s cool to get the award and it’s only going to bring good things for my career.
“It’s nice to have my hard work and success from F3 recognised so a big thank you to Motorsport Australia for giving me this honour.”
In congratulating Piastri, Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser recognised Piastri’s bright future.
“After such a strong season, Oscar is a very worthy recipient of the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award.”
“Oscar was a shining light in 2020 and we all know that he has a bright future ahead of him, and this award is proof of the high regard in which he is already held here in Australia.”
“I wish him all the best for his maiden season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and look forward to watching on from afar, along with the rest of Australia who will be cheering him on in 2021.”
Piastri is just the 11th recipient of the award, an honour previously given to high-profile drivers such as two-time winner Indycar driver Will Power, rally champion Cody Crocker and Porsche factory works driver Matthew Campbell.
Look out for Piastri in the FIA Formula 2 Championship beginning at the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 27-28 of March.
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