Oscar Piastri’s summer took an unexpected twist when he ventured into the world of MotoGP at Silverstone, leaving his mother both concerned and entertained.
The Australian Formula 1 driver, currently enjoying his debut season, couldn’t resist the allure of the racetrack even during his break.
Amid his maiden F1 campaign’s intense demands, Piastri decided to dedicate his weekend off to Silverstone, forsaking the typical summer sun for the excitement of the circuit.
A snapshot shared on Twitter captured him atop Johann Zarco’s Pramac Racing Ducati bike in the garage. Piastri playfully captioned the photo, “On a break from 4 wheels so thought I’d have a go at 2 with @QuadLockCase.”
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Piastri, a rising star at McLaren, made a short trip from the team’s headquarters in Woking to witness the MotoGP action firsthand.
He observed the British Grand Prix unfold from Zarco’s garage, as the French rider secured a modest P9 finish.
However, Piastri’s impromptu adventure triggered a rather concerned response from his mother, Nicole Piastri, who is known for her witty Twitter interactions.
She replied to her son’s tweet, expressing her apprehension, “Oh no you don’t!!!
“Move away from the bike Oscar Jack Piastri.
“My heart can barely cope with cars.”
Nicole Piastri’s online presence has previously captured attention, especially during her son’s Miami Grand Prix weekend when she remarked,
“On a positive note, my heart rate stayed relatively low for that race and I even managed a little nap in the middle there.”
Amidst the humour and concern, Oscar Piastri’s prowess behind the wheel remains evident.
After a reserved start to the season, the 22-year-old driver gained momentum, showcasing impressive performances at Silverstone and the Hungaroring.
He further solidified his standing by finishing behind championship leader Max Verstappen in the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race.
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Piastri’s exceptional performances in the season’s first half have positioned him as a contender.
He enters the summer break just a point behind Esteban Ocon in the driver standings, setting the stage for the Dutch Grand Prix later this month.
Having outperformed fellow rookies Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant, Piastri is living up to expectations that prompted McLaren CEO Zak Brown to choose him for a race seat in the 2023 season.