OSCAR PIASTRI IS A WORLD CHAMPION

Oscar Piastri made the winning difference as McLaren claimed the Formula One world teams' championship at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Now he is aiming for the drivers' title in season 2025.

Piastri contributed a vital 292 points, including two grand prix wins, as McLaren finished a mere 14 points ahead of Ferrari in the final 2024 standings.

Crucially, he out-scored Carlos Sainz of Team Red, and Sergio Perez from Red Bull Racing, as well as both of the Mercedes-AMG drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Piastri was fourth in the final drivers' standings behind four-time world champion Max Verstappen (437), his team mate Lando Norris (374) and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc (356).

He also won two F1 Sprint races and was the official F1 'driver of the day' at the Azerbiajan and Hungarian grands prix, an honour also claimed by outgoing Aussie Daniel Ricciardo with Racing Bulls at his final race in Singapore.

“We did it. I am so incredibly happy for the team," Piastri said after battling to 10th place in Abu Dhabi after a first-corner hit from Max Verstappen.

"Whilst it was a tough race, we managed to seal the constructors’ championship and that means more than anything for everyone."

Now he is looking ahead to 2025 and a challenge for the ultimate prize in Formula One.

“I think hopefully we can come out the blocks strong next season and mount a challenge from the start,” the 23-year-old said.

“I still have some things to work on and improve, but I feel like it’s been a good step up from my rookie season on the whole. Excited for next year, excited for a bit of a break first and then go again and try and fight for both championships.”

"I am so excited for the future with this team. We go again next year."