Melbourne, Australia – In a stunning upset that has reverberated throughout the sporting world, Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has been awarded the prestigious Don Award, Australia's highest sporting honor. The award, named after the legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, is given annually to the Australian athlete who has most inspired the nation over the past year. The 24-year-old Piastri is the first motorsport athlete to ever receive the honor since its inception in 1998.
Piastri's meteoric rise in Formula 1 has captivated audiences worldwide. In only his third season, the young McLaren driver has secured seven Grand Prix victories, placing him as a strong contender to become Australia's first F1 world champion since Alan Jones in 1980. His impressive performance includes 14 podium finishes, five pole positions, and 366 championship points in the 2025 season alone. Currently, Piastri is second in the World Drivers' Championship standings.
The selection committee chair, Bruce McAvaney, lauded Piastri's season as one of Australia's defining sporting narratives of 2025, highlighting his swift ascent to the pinnacle of Formula 1. McAvaney noted that Piastri's maturity and composure have deeply resonated with fans, further solidifying his place as a national icon. "Every year we experience remarkable sporting moments and stories, and the most compelling in 2025 has been 24-year-old Oscar Piastri," McAvaney said. "His rise across the past 12 months to become one of the most formidable and exciting drivers in F1 is nothing short of outstanding".
Preparing for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, Piastri was unable to attend the Sport Australia Hall of Fame ceremony in Melbourne. His parents, Chris and Nicole, accepted the award on his behalf. In a video message, Piastri expressed his gratitude for receiving an award named after Sir Donald Bradman. "Winning an award in the name of Sir Donald Bradman is a massive privilege," Piastri said. "Everyone in Australia knows exactly what he represented and the legacy he has in Australian sport, so it's not lost on me how major this award is".
Piastri's journey to Formula 1 stardom involved significant sacrifices, including moving overseas as a teenager to pursue his motorsport dream. His father, Chris, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but affirmed it was ultimately the right path for his son. Nicole, Piastri's mother, humorously admitted that Formula 1 isn't for the faint of heart. "It's fair to say Formula 1 is not a mother's sport," she said. "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".
The Don Award not only recognizes Piastri's individual achievements but also signifies the growing impact of motorsport in Australia. Nicky Lennon, Motorsport Australia Interim CEO, congratulated Piastri and stated, "His performances in Formula One continue to inspire Australians and showcase the strength of our motorsport talent on the world stage".
As Piastri continues his quest for the Formula 1 World Championship, his recent recognition with The Don Award serves as a powerful testament to his inspiring journey and the impact he has had on the Australian sporting landscape.
