That inspiration was reflected at the Sports Australia Hall of Fame awards night in Melbourne on Monday evening, with Piastri named the winner of the coveted The Don Award.
Established in 1998 and named after cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, the award recognises Australian athletes whose yearly achievements have inspired the nation.
The nine-time Grand Prix winner’s past 12 months has done exactly that, a worthy recipient of one of Australian sport’s most prestigious individual honours.
“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.
“It’s always an amazing feeling to represent our country on the world stage and do well for ourselves.
“Thank you to everyone that waves the flag and cheers me on at all the Grand Prix races around the world.
“To be a recipient of The Don Award is a great honour and I look forward to representing our country for many years to come.”
Since his F1 debut in 2023, the 24-year-old McLaren driver has catapulted himself into contention for a prize only two other Australians, Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, have secured.
After his debut GP victory in Hungary last year, Piastri’s cool, calm and collected approach behind the wheel has seen him net a further seven this season, leading the grid all the way up until Mexico in late October.
Piastri, whose strong Shepparton links include his parents and grandparents, currently sits second in the F1 title race, trailing teammate Lando Norris by 24 points with three races to run.
Regardless of how it ends, Piastri’s exploits have had Australian motorsport fans on the edge of their seats, and he earned high praise from Hall of Fame Selection Committee chair Bruce McAvaney.
“It’s an elite and foreign world to most of us, but we feel linked to this young man’s challenges and triumphs lived out in a spotlight that very few sports attract,” McAvaney said.
“His superb skill and sportsmanship are matched with a rare maturity and poise in an adrenaline-fuelled arena.”
Piastri’s parents, Chris and Nicole, accepted The Don Award on his behalf as he heads to Las Vegas this weekend in his fight to reclaim the championship lead.
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