Oscar Piastri has etched his name into the annals of Australian motorsport history. The 24-year-old McLaren driver’s victory at the Belgian Grand Prix marked his sixth win of the 2025 season, surpassing the record for the most wins by an Australian in a single Formula 1 campaign, a record previously shared with legends Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.
Piastri’s relentless pace and composure under pressure have not only propelled him to the top of the drivers’ championship but also sparked fervent excitement among fans and pundits alike, who see him as a genuine contender for the 2025 world title.
Piastri’s triumph at Spa-Francorchamps was a masterclass in wet-dry conditions, showcasing the adaptability and tyre management that have become hallmarks of his driving. Starting from a strong position, he executed a daring Lap 1 overtake on teammate Lando Norris, seizing the lead and never relinquishing it despite the challenging weather and strategic gambles from rivals.
His victory ahead of Norris, who secured second for McLaren’s sixth one-two finish of the season, extended Piastri’s championship lead to 16 points. This historic win, following earlier victories in China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Barcelona, has seen Piastri outstrip the five wins achieved by Brabham in 1960 and Jones in 1980, both of whom claimed the world championship in their respective record-setting seasons.
“I’m incredibly proud to have this record,” Piastri said after the race, his trademark calm demeanor barely masking his satisfaction. “To be mentioned alongside names like Brabham and Jones is special, but my focus is on the bigger picture—winning races and fighting for the championship. The team’s done a mega job, and we’re in a great position to keep pushing.” His comments reflect the steely focus that has drawn comparisons to F1 greats like Alain Prost and Max Verstappen, with Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle noting, “Once Oscar gets in the lead, he’s formidable. His mental solidity and race craft are exceptional for someone so young.”
The Melbourne-born driver’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating junior formulae with back-to-back championships in Formula Renault, Formula 3, and Formula 2, Piastri burst onto the F1 scene with McLaren in 2023, securing podiums in his rookie year. His 2024 season saw him claim maiden victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan, helping McLaren secure their first constructors’ title since 1998.
In 2025, Piastri has elevated his game further, with eight career Grand Prix wins, four pole positions, and 21 podiums as of the Belgian Grand Prix. His ability to learn from setbacks, such as a costly spin in his home race at Albert Park, has been praised by his race engineer Tom Stallard, who highlighted Piastri’s knack for real-time problem-solving.
The Australian’s rise has not gone unnoticed by his rivals. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who finished fourth at Spa, acknowledged Piastri’s prowess: “He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. He’s a tough competitor.” Meanwhile, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the team’s commitment to giving both Piastri and Norris equal opportunities to chase the drivers’ title. “Oscar and Lando are free to race,” Stella said. “We believe in their ability to fight cleanly and deliver results for McLaren.”
With 15 races remaining in the 2025 season, Piastri’s trajectory suggests he could further rewrite the record books. His current tally of seven Grand Prix victories draws him level with Daniel Ricciardo’s career total, and he is just two wins shy of matching his manager Mark Webber’s nine.