McLaren’s Rising Star: Oscar Piastri Clinches Autosport’s 2023 Rookie of the Year Award
In a remarkable feat, 22-year-old Australian driver Oscar Piastri, part of the McLaren Formula 1 team, has secured the prestigious Autosport 2023 Rookie of the Year Award. Piastri’s outstanding performance in the championship, where he clinched a sprint win in Qatar and finished ninth overall, earned him the recognition from Autosport readers.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Piastri, as he becomes the first three-time winner of the Rookie of the Year Award. His previous triumphs came in 2020 for his F3 season and in 2021 for his performances in F2.
The announcement took place on December 3rd during the Autosport Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House on Park Lane. The esteemed award was presented by two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, who shared the stage with Piastri accepting the accolade through a pre-recorded video message.
Autosport readers voted Piastri ahead of other notable rookies, including fellow F1 driver Logan Sargeant, Super Formula runner-up and AlphaTauri stand-in Liam Lawson, and F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Oscar Piastri’s consistent excellence on the track has not only elevated his status as a promising talent but has now firmly established him as a three-time recipient of Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young stars in the world of Formula 1.
“Thank you very much to everyone who voted for me,” said Piastri. “It’s been a remarkable year after such a great turnaround for the team after a tough start, culminating in the sprint victory in Qatar.”
The illustrious history of Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award, reserved for professional racing drivers in their inaugural season in their respective categories, boasts a stellar lineup of past winners. Notable names such as Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc have all graced the list of recipients.
In addition to celebrating promising newcomers, Autosport Awards feature an array of categories determined by fan voting. These include the prestigious International Racing Driver of the Year presented by Pirelli, British Competition Driver of the Year, Rally Driver of the Year, International Competition Car of the Year, and National Driver of the Year.
The awards ceremony also highlights excellence recognized by expert judging panels, featuring honors such as the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, the Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future Award, the Autosport Gold Medal incorporating the Gregor Grant Award for a lifetime legacy, the John Bolster Trophy for technical achievement, the Pioneering and Innovation Award, Moment of the Year, and Promoter of the Year.
Adding a fresh dimension to the celebration of achievements in the motorsports industry, the 2023 edition introduces the Brand Partnership of the Year award, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of collaborations within the racing community. Autosport Awards continue to be a comprehensive recognition of excellence, innovation, and pivotal moments in the world of motorsports.
