Oscar Piastri flattered by Lewis Hamilton comparisons after F1 rookie season

Piastri, JapaneseGP — Photo: © LAT Images

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Piastri flattered by Hamilton comparisons after F1 rookie season

The F1 rookie enjoyed a fine debut season with McLaren in 2023

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Thursday 30 November 2023 03:57

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Oscar Piastri has revealed how flattered he is to be compared to Lewis Hamilton in what has been a superb rookie season for the McLaren driver.

Despite falling short of Hamilton's overall modern era rookie points record, Piastri's total of 97 points in the 2023 Formula 1 season is now the highest achieved by a rookie since Alex Albon scored 92 points in 2019 for Toro Rosso and Red Bull.

The 22-year-old has been showered with praise, with some even drawing parallels between Piastri in 2023 and Hamilton's 2007 season with McLaren.

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And although insistent that his much-improved MCL60 played a pivotal role in his success this year, the Australian has admitted how proud he is to be mentioned in the same breath as a seven-time world champion.

Oscar Piastri has enjoyed a superb rookie season in Formula 1

The Australian has even been compared to Lewis Hamilton, who shone during his debut in the sport in 2007

Piastri flattered by Hamilton comparisons

“It’s nice to have those comparisons definitely," he told Sky Sports.

"I’ve been the first person since Lewis to have a car as competitive as this [in a rookie season], so that definitely helps in some ways, but I feel like it has been a good year.

"I think the thing I’ve been proud of is when I’ve had those opportunities to score podiums and fight at the front, try and fight for pole positions.

"More times than not I feel like I’ve been able to get the most out of the car and out of myself which I don’t think is a small feat."

Piastri finished the season ninth in the drivers' standings, but tasted success in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen to clinch his first victory in F1.

Red Bull Lewis Hamilton McLaren Formula 1 Oscar Piastri Zak Brown