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Oscar Piastri, the rising star of Australian motor sport, will drive for British giants McLaren in next season’s Formula One championship.
The British team announced on Friday that the 21-year-old Formula Two champion Piastri, one of the most exciting prospects in the sport, has been brought on board to replace his fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who’ll leave the team at the end of the season.
“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me,” said Melbourne’s Piastri.
Piastri will join forces with Briton Lando Norris at the Woking-based team.
McLaren’s Team Principal Andreas Seidl welcomed the Australian, saying: “Oscar has an impressive racing career to date, and we are sure that together with Lando, he will be able to help us move another step forward towards our ambitions.”
McLaren’s announcement comes after a contract dispute surrounding the signing of the most wanted youngster in the sport.
Rival team Alpine had also claimed Piastri’s services but the sport’s Contract Recognition Board ruled unanimously that McLaren had the only valid contract.
Piastri has a remarkable motorsport resume already, having won the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup before going on to win the 2020 Formula Three title and last year’s Formula Two crown in successive rookie seasons.
“The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I’m looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team towards the front of the grid,” said Piastri.
“I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya.”
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