Oscar Piastri has impressed many in the F1 paddock this year, with his impressive campaign in the Formula 2 championship getting the attention of the world of F1. Piastri won six races, four of those being the main Feature Race, and scored incredible 5 pole positions in a row, vital in a series that gives four points as a reward for top spot in qualifying. He ended up winning the championship with a margin of 60.5 points over his closest rival – teammate Robert Shwartzman. His impressive form didn’t go unnoticed, as he secured a job as the reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team in 2022.

Speaking to selected media, including MotorLAT, after qualifying for the Abu Dhabi GP, former Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo shared his thoughts on the achievement of his fellow countryman, and why he, like many, was impressed with the way Oscar won it:

“Wild. He didn’t just win, he dominated. It was pretty… - I don’t know. I don’t think anyone really expected him to, as I said. Fighting for a title is one thing, but winning comfortably was huge.

“I think people knew, obviously, he was talented – I knew he was talented. But I don’t think anyone expected him to dominate the championship like he did.”

🏆 OSCAR PIASTRI 🏆

🥇 CHAMPION
🏆 Six Wins
🍾 11 Podiums
⏱ Six fastest laps
⏱ Five pole positions#F2 #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/lBKgdr8881

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 12, 2021

Ricciardo said “it’s looking good” for Australia in terms of young drivers in the junior categories, mentioning an impressive performance from also Australian Jack Doohan – who, only on his second F2 qualifying, managed to secure a front row start, behind only Piastri:

“I’m excited, there’s an Aussie front row lock-out with [Oscar Piastri] and Jack [Doohan, in reference to the grid for the F2 feature race on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, which Piastri ended up winning]. It’s looking good for young, up and coming Aussies, [I’m] very happy to see that,” he concluded.