Go inside Oscar Piastri’s jet-set life as expert says the F1 talent is on track to become Australia’s biggest sport star
Oscar Piastri made his Formula 1 debut as a young, unassuming teenager with the world at his feet. Now he enjoys the jet-set lifestyle that comes with a big salary and a fast-growing reputation as the sport’s next big thing.
The Australian is a sensible, pragmatic guy off the track, but on it he is a wild and entertaining beast.
He is quickly becoming known as the sport’s new Iceman after taking his second Formula 1 victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend.
While drivers like Daniel Ricciardo turned up their noses after crossing the chequered flag and others criticised their rivals, Piastri remained calm after the ‘toughest’ race of his young career.
During the victory he showed himself at his most humble and reserved.
“When you cross the finish line first, it’s worth it. I worked incredibly hard for it. So I’m very happy that I made it,” he said matter-of-factly.
Then the rising star boarded a private jet, dressed in a modest white shirt and slacks, gave a simple thumbs up and captioned the Instagram photo: “Good day at work. Thanks everyone for the support.”
It is this contrast that racing fans can’t get enough of.
Piastri celebrates his second F1 victory with McLaren race engineer Tom Stallard after taking the chequered flag in Baku last weekend
The Australian star has gone from karting in the suburbs of Melbourne to jetting to some of the world’s most incredible locations, including Monaco (pictured), for work
Flights in luxury private jets are a normal occurrence for the 23-year-old
The soft-spoken, unassuming Australian terrorises the competition in the world’s most exciting sport, enjoying all the perks that success brings without ever appearing arrogant.
“This guy is going to win a world championship and still give me a thumbs up,” posted one of his many followers.
“Oscar found a good pose and ran with it,” posted another.
A third called the Australian ‘the new “iceman”.’
Piastri, who is earning $6 million from McLaren this year, still has a long way to go to match the original ‘Iceman’ Kimi Raikkonen, who won the Formula 1 championship in 2007, but he is taking the fast track to get there.
Piastri has his childhood sweetheart Lily Zneimer by his side during all his worldwide adventures
The Australian already has a large army of supporters – and their numbers are growing as his reputation as Formula 1’s most promising young talent grows
His cool attitude makes him gain more and more fans who love his style. He travels the world and enjoys everything he has to offer, with the same humble look and the occasional thumbs up or peace gesture.
“Does this count as training?” he asks simply while wakeboarding in an exotic European location.
He has huge fans, including Australian cricket stars Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who recently gave him used Test cricket gear as gifts.
“Maybe I’ll try it during training. Thanks,” he posted.
“Searching for my Monegasque roots,” he simply captioned a photo of himself exploring the mountains of Monaco.
Pictured: Piastri’s relaxed manner in thanking Cricket Australia for his gifts left a big impression on his fans
The Aussie counts Test cricket stars Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon among his friends
This laconic attitude from top sports marketing expert Tristan Hay has seen him compare to some of Australia’s most famous and sought-after athletes.
‘He has the potential to be at the very top [of Australia’s most marketable sports stars]“Oscar is definitely up there, I would say he’s in the top three now,” Hay said.
‘He’s in that top class now; Pat Cummins, Sam Kerr and Oscar.
‘In an individual sport like motorsport, which traditionally attracts a lot of premium brands, especially brands looking to conquer the Asian market or increase their brand awareness in Asia, he is the perfect candidate.
‘He is a winner, he is young, he is ambitious and he has proven that he belongs at the top.
‘Honestly, there is no limit to what Oscar can earn given that the market is growing, he is young and he has proven that he belongs.
“He’s gone from being the next big thing to someone who has now proven he can win on the big stage. I’m sure he’s got a long career ahead of him and a very successful career ahead of him if he can keep winning.”
Piastri has always been a competitor and is tipped by some Formula 1 experts as a future world champion
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft recently said the Australian could even be better than McLaren’s number 1 driver, Lando Norris.
‘As soon as it became known that Oscar was available, [McLaren CEO] “Zak Brown jumped at the chance to sign a driver who I believe has all the qualities to become world champion one day,” said Croft.
‘I’m not saying Lando doesn’t do that – I think he does – but I think it’s quite clear that Oscar is one of the most balanced, calm, confident drivers with exceptional talent that we see on the grid.
“I think, and I’ve said this before, he’s a world champion in the making. There’s no doubt about that.”