Grandstand moment: F1 champ Oscar Piastri to get Albert Park honour
By Scott Spits
Oscar Piastri’s status as one of Australia’s best athletes will be further recognised at next year’s Australian Grand Prix when the young Formula 1 maestro will have a grandstand named after him.
Already with eight career grand prix wins, 24-year-old Piastri could yet enter the 2026 F1 season-opener as the reigning world champion.
In any case, Piastri’s name will adorn a grandstand in the main straight, opposite pit lane.
McLaren chief Zak Brown (right) hugs Oscar Piastri after the Hungarian Grand Prix.Credit: AP
The Melbourne-raised racer leads the F1 driver standings – on 284 points, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris in second place on 275 points.
Piastri has already won six races on the 2025 F1 calendar, and it’s shaping as a showdown between him and Norris for overall individual glory.
Other Australian drivers who already have a grandstand named after them at the Albert Park street circuit include Jack Brabham, Arthur Waite, Alan Jones, Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber.
“It feels very surreal, and I never thought this would happen, but the support is incredible and I can’t wait to see it all come together next March,” Piastri said in a statement.
“Seeing all the fans in my own grandstand directly opposite the McLaren garage is going to be an amazing experience, and I’m really looking forward to feeling the energy and the atmosphere.”
Webber said the recognition was fitting for what Piastri had already achieved in the early years of his career.
“Clearly he is very comfortable at the elite level, and making his presence felt which is brilliant, and representing Australia in the way that the country likes to be represented,” Webber said.
“I think it will all sink in when the event is underway and the people in the grandstand can be opposite Oscar’s pit box. It will be an added bonus for the fans and Oscar alike.”
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