Oscar Piastri’s announcement as the recipient of The Don Award didn’t just add polish to an already glittering career — it cut through as a national statement. Accepting Australia’s highest sporting honour virtually while preparing for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Piastri called the recognition a “massive privilege.”
The award caps a phenomenal 2025 Formula 1 season for the McLaren driver:
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7 Grand Prix wins (China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
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14 podiums
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5 pole positions
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366 Championship points
These numbers pushed him to second in the drivers’ standings, just 24 points behind Lando Norris with three races left — and underscored McLaren’s elite resurgence.
Selection Committee Chair Bruce McAvaney OAM praised Piastri’s rise as “compelling and outstanding,” while Motorsport Australia highlighted his humility and professionalism.
In his acceptance remarks, Piastri spoke with a maturity beyond his years.
“Winning an award in the name of Sir Donald Bradman is a massive privilege,” he said. “Everyone in Australia knows what he represented… it’s not lost on me how major this award is.”
He also paid tribute to his supporters: “Thank you to everyone who waves the flag and cheers me on at Grand Prix races around the world.”
More than a trophy, the moment felt like a pulse check for Australian sport — confirmation that the nation has a driver capable of stepping into the lineage of Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. Piastri’s trajectory suggests he isn’t just competing on the world stage; he’s carrying Australia’s hopes toward motorsport history.
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