Aussie racing phenom Oscar Piastri has claimed the Formula 2 championship, completing another dominant year in his young career.
It’s back-to-back titles for the 20-year-old, who won the Formula 3 title in 2020, as well as the Formula Renault crown in 2019.
He came into the first race of the weekend in Abu Dhabi with an almost unassailable lead over stablemate Robert Shwartzman, needing to finish fifth if his rival won the race.
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Instead, he claimed the title in style, passing Shwartzman with three laps to go to steal his place on the podium.
It was a daring manouvre with little upside, given fourth would have been enough to win the title regardless – but again showed the young Aussie’s heart and desire to win.
“I’m just super happy, what a race to clinch it on,” he said afterwards.
“It was a lot less stressful than last year so I’m very happy about that!”
Jehan Daravula won the race, about three seconds ahead of Piastri.
Piastri will have his first taste of Formula 1 next week, with a long-term future at the highest level surely in his sights, given his dominance this year.
Piastri took five race victories across the season – including two sprint races and three straight feature races – nine podiums, seven fastest lap honours, and four consecutive pole positions.
“It’s been an awesome three years to round out my junior career,” Piastri said.
“Hopefully I can be champion of sitting on the couch next year because that’s about all I’ll be driving,” he joked.
Piastri will join Alpine’s team as a reserve driver for the 2022 F1 season.