Oscar Piastri ends win drought gloom with prestigious award

10:04, 18 Nov

Updated: 10:40, 18 Nov

byOlly Darcy

Oscar Piastri may be going through a barren spell in race wins, but there was some joy for the Australian before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"It's not lost on me how major this award is."

- Oscar Piastri

The McLaren driver has been unable to step onto the top step of the podium since the Dutch Grand Prix, but he received a trophy at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame awards in Melbourne, winning the annual 'Don Award', named after legendary cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman.

This was awarded to the 24-year-old after the 'most compelling' story in Australian sports in 2025, becoming the first F1 driver to take home the prize since it was first introduced in 1998.

"Obviously, winning an award in the name of Sir Donald Bradman is a massive privilege," Piastri said, who accepted his award away from his home country as he prepares for this weekend's racing in Las Vegas.

Oscar Piastri celebrating his win at the Dutch Grand Prix - Photo: RacePictures.

"I think everyone in Australia knows exactly what Sir Donald represented and the legacy he has in Australian sport, so it's not lost on me how major this award is."

Piastri's parents, Chris and Nicole, accepted the award on behalf of their son, with Piastri's father explaining the decision to let the Australian move to Europe to pursue his motorsport dream: "I don't think [his] mum was too keen on the idea. I wasn't too keen either, but he did it … it's a massive credit to him.

"He's going to fight there to the end [in the championship]. The way he carries himself, his humble nature, he'll never change, even if he wins five world championships."

Nicole, Piastri's mother, who has had some funny reactions to her son's racing on X, stated:

"I'd much prefer Oscar to be a pro golfer or tennis player. But it was apparent from a very young age that car racing was his passion, so I support it. My heart rate is dangerously high every race, particularly at the start!"

All to play for with three races remaining

Piastri made a stunning start to his 2025 campaign by winning seven of the first 15 races this season, emphasising his championship credentials.

However, a winless spell of six races since Zandvoort, finishing off the podium in last the last five, has seen teammate Lando Norris turn the title battle on its head.

Now, the Brit leads proceedings by 24 points with three Grand Prix weekends to go, while a charging Max Verstappen sits just 25 points away after cutting down a deficit that sat at 104 points.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.