FIA official now suggests ‘extraordinary’ F1 driver has a ‘bulletproof’ aura on the grid

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is one of the most exciting drivers on the Formula 1 grid right now.

Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, the Chairman of the FIA stewards Tim Mayer has noticed what the 22-year-old is doing around the paddock now.

There can’t be many teams in Formula 1 that are more confident about their driver line-ups going forward than McLaren.

Lando Norris racked up his 100^th race start in Austin and marked it with his fifth 2^nd-place finish of the season.

Considering where the team were at the beginning of the season, that’s a remarkable achievement.

Oscar Piastri may have 76 fewer points than his teammate, but he’s already achieved something that the young Brit hasn’t managed yet; his first Formula 1 win – albeit in the Sprint Race in Qatar.

Piastri might be the fastest rookie on the grid since Max Verstappen’s emergence and McLaren will be aware of just how special he is.

The Australian didn’t have the best luck in Austin, retiring after a collision with Esteban Ocon in the first few corners.

It’s one of the few blemishes on an incredible start to life in Formula 1.

McLaren star Piastri has ‘bulletproof’ aura on the grid

Speaking about the 22-year-old, Mayer said: “I think what has been extraordinary though has been his ability to concentrate when there’s so much pressure on him.

“For such a young guy to come in and to have all this pressure and do as well as he has, I mean it’s just remarkable.

“You watch him in the paddock, you watch him on the grid and he’s got this aura of confidence around him that he’s bulletproof and it shows in his pace.”

Eddie Jordan has backed Piastri to be the driver that ends Verstappen’s stranglehold on the top of the F1 standings one day.

It’s going to take an incredible talent with a phenomenal car to break Red Bull’s dominance right now.

McLaren will hope they can give Piastri and Norris a car that can compete at the front of the grid from the start of the season next year.

If they’re able to do so, then the young pair should be fighting for race victories every weekend.