Oscar Piastri Awarded "Rookie Of The Year" At FIA Gala

McLaren Formula One driver received the "Rookie of the Year" award during the FIA Gala ceremony yesterday.

Australian driver recently reflected on his first season in F1. He said it had "definitely been a bigger rollercoaster' than he originally expected.

On the other hand, the Australian driver learned a lot throughout the season and made great progress as a professional Formula One driver.

It is his ability to learn rapidly that his team principal, Andrea Stella, praised. Stella also said the Australian has been exceptional in 2023 and exceeded all McLaren's expectations.

The 22-year-old amassed 97 points in total throughout the whole season and came close to beating sensational Lewis Hamilton's record for the most points collected in the rookie season.

Thanks to the progress the McLaren F1 team has made throughout the season, Piastri got the opportunity to race in a competitive car and battle with drivers at the front of the grid.

The Australian driver acknowledged it is a privilege that some drivers do not get in their whole career, not to mention their first season.

But it also takes a great driver to deliver the results that Piastri did. He brought home two Grand Prix podiums and one sprint race victory.

As he received the trophy for the rookie of the year, Piastri mentioned McLaren should be fine if the team can manage to start next season as the team finished 2023.

While Piastri still lacked his experienced teammate Lando Norris in the race pace, his team was certainly more than happy with his performances as McLaren prolonged his contract until the end of the 2026 season.