F1 News

Piastri's F2 title puts him in an exclusive club with Leclerc and Russell

Piastri's F2 title puts him in an exclusive club with Leclerc and Russell

03-01-2022 15:45 Last update: 17:27

GPblog.com

Oscar Piastri won this season's Formula 2 title by a massive margin. At the end of the season, the Australian had a lead of 60.5 points over Robert Shwartzman. A unique achievement that makes him only the third driver as a rookie to win the F2 title.

Formula 2 was a two-year plan for Piastri

René Rosin, Piastri's team boss at Prema Racing, told the website of the FIA that Piastri has exceeded all expectations with his title. The original plan was that Piastri would drive two seasons in Formula 2 and fight for the title in his second season. That all went a bit better than expected.

The 20-year-old Australian thus won his third title in a row, following wins in the Formula 3 championship in 2020 and the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019. Moreover, he is only the third driver to win the F2 title as a rookie. Previously, only Charles Leclerc and George Russell managed to do so.

Piastri a very good student

According to Rosin, Piastri was a very good student. "He always listens to what people tell him to do and he tries to adapt as best he can," he said. In addition, Piastri is calm, technically dedicated and a great guy to work with. The Australian's ability to compete at the front of the field was expected, but not expected to be in contention for the title.

In the end, Piastri took six wins and another five podiums. He was also on pole position for five consecutive main races. "This year he has taken another step forward, both on the track and in his confidence. His qualifying has been very, very impressive. To take pole position five times in a row is remarkable and something to really congratulate him on." Next season, Piastri will join Alpine as a reserve driver.