Following his victory at Zandvoort, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has won nine races in Formula 1, equalling the record of his mentor and manager, Mark Webber. The former Red Bull driver expressed his admiration for his protégé, who has been leading the world championship since April. However, Webber warns that the title is far from secured for Piastri.
Due to the retirement of his teammate and title rival Lando Norris, Piastri built a lead of 34 World Championship points at Zandvoort. The young Australian drove a flawless race on the dune circuit and also recorded his first Grand Slam in Formula 1. With nine victories, he now stands level with manager Mark Webber, who appeared on camera for Sky Sports after the race.
“It was fantastic, he (Piastri) drove so well today,” Webber responded proudly. “I don’t often give interviews about him, but this is a very important day for Australian motorsport. Daniel (Ricciardo) has won a lot, as have Jack Brabham and AJ (Alan Jones),” he explained, with a typical Australian accent. “The fact that Piastri is already so successful so early in his career is entirely due to his own efforts. He has put in a tremendous amount of work. Of course, the team has also performed fantastically, so I am very happy.”
A Long Road Ahead
The fact that Piastri is now matching him and could soon surpass his record does not bother the 49-year-old Webber. “We’ve had many laughs about it,” he grinned. “He’s overtaken me now, but I’m genuinely happy for him.” However, Webber remained cautious, despite Piastri’s lead in the championship. “Hopefully, he can maintain this form,” he continued seriously, “but there’s still a long road ahead of us.”
“There are still races like Brazil, where it often rains, and of course Singapore and Azerbaijan, street circuits where anything can happen,” he explained. “We have to approach it like cricket: ‘Better to have one run on the scoreboard than none at all.’ That being said, this is a great day for him and a well-deserved victory.” Piastri could become the third Australian Formula 1 world champion this year, following Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.
