Alonso Believes in His Pupil: ‘He is Ready for Formula 1…

Alonso Believes in His Pupil: ‘He is Ready for Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso, one of Formula 1’s most experienced and successful drivers, has once again shown his mentorship qualities by backing his pupil, promising young driver Oscar Piastri, as he prepares for the next step in his career: a full-time Formula 1 seat. Alonso’s praise for Piastri has garnered attention from both fans and insiders, as the legendary Spaniard has long been known for his sharp insight into racing talent.

Alonso, who has achieved two World Championships and has raced for some of the most prestigious teams in Formula 1, knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Throughout his own career, he has competed against some of the sport’s best, including Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. As such, when Alonso offers his approval of a young driver, the motorsport world tends to take notice.

Piastri, an Australian talent who has quickly risen through the ranks of motorsport, is a name that has been gaining traction over the past few years. Having won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in consecutive seasons (2020 and 2021), Piastri’s credentials are impeccable. His smooth driving style, sharp racecraft, and maturity behind the wheel have impressed many in the paddock, and his step into F1 is seen as the next logical progression in his career.

In a recent interview, Alonso commented on his relationship with Piastri, stating, “Oscar is a young driver with exceptional talent. We have spent a lot of time working together on and off the track, and he has shown great maturity for someone so young. He has the right mindset, the right work ethic, and the right determination to make it in F1. He is ready.”

Alonso’s confidence in Piastri is particularly significant given that the Australian has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills in F1 to date. After a stellar season in F2, Piastri was left without a race seat in 2022, despite being highly touted as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. However, he eventually secured a spot with McLaren as a reserve driver, where he has been able to learn from established stars like Lando Norris. This year, Piastri finally made his official F1 debut with McLaren, and although his results were solid, it was clear that he had the potential to achieve even more.

Alonso’s endorsement comes at a time when Piastri’s career trajectory appears poised for a breakout. Following a promising start with McLaren in the 2023 season, Piastri’s performances have gradually improved, and he has continued to impress with his consistency, racecraft, and adaptability. What makes Alonso’s support even more noteworthy is the fact that Alonso himself has been a mentor to Piastri within the McLaren fold. The two drivers often exchange notes, share insights, and work together to improve their skills, despite being in separate teams within the same engine provider umbrella.

For Piastri, Alonso’s confidence is more than just a vote of support—it is also a valuable opportunity to continue learning from one of the sport’s greatest minds. The Australian has openly expressed his admiration for Alonso, acknowledging that having the two-time world champion as a sounding board has been instrumental in his development.

Alonso’s comments also highlight the changing nature of F1’s approach to nurturing young talent. In previous years, many talented drivers would often have to wait for extended periods before getting a full-time F1 seat. However, teams like McLaren are now offering younger drivers more opportunities to prove themselves and, in the case of Piastri, learn from veterans like Alonso.

As for the future, Alonso believes that Piastri has all the right qualities to thrive in Formula 1. “Oscar is not just talented; he’s mentally prepared for the challenge. He understands what it takes to compete at the top, and he will get there soon enough,” said Alonso.

With the backing of such an experienced mentor and the potential that Piastri has already shown, the future looks incredibly bright for the young Australian. If Alonso’s prediction comes true, it won’t be long before Piastri is a regular fixture at the front of the Formula 1 grid, ready to challenge the sport’s established stars.