Melbourne's F1 Star Honoured with Prestigious Don Award
In a significant recognition of his outstanding performance, Oscar Piastri has been awarded the peak Don Award from the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame. The Melbourne-born Formula 1 driver received this honour following his remarkable breakout season with the McLaren team, where he has consistently impressed motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
A Breakthrough Season for the Young Driver
The 24-year-old racing prodigy has achieved an impressive seven race wins during the first 15 rounds of the current F1 season, bringing his career total to nine victories. Piastri's performance was so dominant that he led the world drivers' championship standings as recently as the end of August, demonstrating his rapid ascent in the competitive world of Formula 1 racing.
Although he has recently been overtaken by his British teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings, and currently trails by 24 points with just three rounds remaining, Hall Of Fame selection committee chair Bruce McAvaney described Piastri's season as the "most compelling" story in Australian sport this year.
Historic Achievement in Australian Motorsport
Piastri has made history by becoming the first Formula 1 driver to win The Don Award since its establishment in 1998. The award, named after cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, recognises the Australian sporting star who has most inspired the nation over the past year.
"Obviously winning an award in the name of Sir Donald Bradman is a massive privilege," Piastri commented. "I think everyone in Australia knows exactly what Sir Donald represented and the legacy he has in Australian sport. So it's not lost on me how major this award is."
Due to his racing commitments, Piastri was unable to attend the ceremony in person, with the next F1 round scheduled in Las Vegas. His parents accepted the award on his behalf, with his father Chris sharing insights into their son's journey overseas as a teenager to pursue his motorsport ambitions.
"I don't think (his) Mum was too keen on the idea, I wasn't too keen either, but he did it... it's a massive credit to him," Chris Piastri revealed. "He's going to fight there to the end (in the championship). The way he carries himself, his humble nature - he'll never change, even if he wins five world championships."
His mother Nicole added her perspective, noting the emotional challenge of watching her son compete in such a dangerous sport. "It's fair to say Formula 1 is not a mother's sport. 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. My heart rate is dangerously high every race, particularly at the start."
Other Honours at the SAHOF Ceremony
The annual ceremony also saw surfing champion Layne Beachley receive the Dawn Award, recognising her pivotal contribution to the sport and the significant obstacles she overcame during her career. The Dawn Award, introduced four years ago and named after patron Dawn Fraser, honours individuals or groups who have shown courage and bravery while changing sport for the better.
Other notable honours included basketballer Andrew Gaze and cricketer Belinda Clark being elevated to SAHOF Legend status. New inductees into the Hall of Fame included:
- Torah Bright (snowboarding)
- Jason Dunstall (AFL)
- Laura Geitz (netball)
- Peter Harcourt (sports medicine)
- Lleyton Hewitt (tennis)
- Mark Schwarzer (soccer)
- Cameron Smith (rugby league)
Piastri's achievement marks another milestone in what has been a spectacular season for the young Australian driver, who continues to make his mark on the global motorsport stage while proudly representing his country.
