What a glittering CV Oscar Piastri has: 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup Champion, 2020 Formula 3 Champion and now the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Champion.
A virtually unassailable 55.5-point lead in the drivers’ championship following Qualifying in Abu Dhabi, combined with a impeccable performance in the first Sprint Race was enough for the PREMA driver to secure his third title in as many seasons.
Following his 10th podium of the year, the Alpine Academy junior took the title 57.5 points clear of his nearest rival and teammate Robert Shwartzman, with 44 points remaining.
Joining Charles Leclerc and George Russell in the esteemed club of back-to-back GP3/F3 and F2 title holders in their rookie season, his path to glory was paved by the lessons learnt earlier in his career.
When asked how his development as he’s moved up the junior series ladder has shaped his success this season, Piastri said:
“I think this year’s been very much a culmination of my strengths over the last two seasons.
“Last year, I clearly lacked qualifying pace but more than not saved myself with race craft and sometimes just staying on the track when others were crashing.
“In Eurocup, I think my pace was very strong but ultimately made a few mistakes that almost brought me undone.”
Five consecutive pole positions since Silverstone have been the backbone of his championship campaign and provide a stark contrast to F3 last year, where the Aussie failed to qualify on the front row.
“I think my qualifying performance has been the best of my career. I’ve held it consistently and it has been consistently at the front as well, which is obviously gonna help in the championship battle.”
Despite an unbeatable 57.5-point lead at the chequered flag, Piastri says he has no intention of taking it easy in the final two races of the season around the Yas Marina Circuit.
Image Credit: PREMA Racing