Oscar Piastri was undoubtedly the surprise of the 2021 Formula 2 season. Having reached the category after winning the title in Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019 and the title in FIA F3 in 2020, the Australian did not seem, at least on the eve, able to worry drivers with much more experience than him in the series.
In the end, however, he was right. In a revolutionized season with a questionable format, Piastri initially staked everything on consistency of results and then exploded from Silverstone onwards. The first pole obtained on English soil was only the starter of what was shown in the following rounds.
Five consecutive poles, four victories and a total of 223.5 points – when Sprint Race 2 and Feature Race are still missing at the end of the championship – are Piastri’s haul in a season where he literally wiped out the competition.
Despite having succeeded in winning the three most important preparatory championships over the last three years, next year there will be no place in Formula 1 for the Australian born in 2001.
The Alpine, in fact, after confirming Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, has reserved the role of third driver for Oscar. A meager reward after what we’ve seen this year.
“I certainly did everything in my power to introduce myself to the world of Formula 1”. These were Piastri’s first words at the end of Sprint Race 1 in Abu Dhabi which saw him mathematically conquer the title in F2.
“Obviously it is a bit disappointing not to move to Formula 1 next year and I really hope to have a seat in 2023. I would be annoyed if I don’t manage to be on the grid in 2023 because I think I have done everything to prove that I deserve a place” .
Oscar Piastri, Prema Racing celebrates on the podium
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Those who have had the opportunity to follow Piastri in recent years have noticed a quality rarely seen in other riders: calm. Both in Formula Renault Eurocup, in Formula 3 and in Formula 2, Oscar has always won the title at the last appointment without ever showing signs of nervousness.
This inner peace also emerged from the statements made at the end of the race. However, a minimum of annoyance to be relegated to the role of third driver was noticed.
“The next will be a busy year and it is a fantastic opportunity, even if it is certainly not the goal I was aiming for in 2022. Throughout my career, I have always managed to control the things I could. This is something beyond my control ”.
“I will do my best with Alpine to show them that they deserve a seat and I hope my work will lead to this result.”
Piastri then sent out a clear message. The new Formula 2 champion will do everything to ensure that his name is on the list of F1 team principals despite his absence from racing in 2022.
“I want to keep my attention on myself and make sure I’m present in the paddock so that people don’t forget me. Formula 1 is my ultimate goal, it’s no longer a dream ”.
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