McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was the recipient of the 2025 Don Award, celebrating his accomplishments as an athlete. He made history as the first ever motorsport athlete to receive the award.
Some Don Award history
Named after cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, the award is given annually to an Australian athlete that has inspired the nation.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame distributes the award, and the Australian Cricket Team were the first recipients in 1998.
Some notable recipients include canoeing/kayaking athletes Jess and Noemie Fox, and wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley.
Piastri deserves it
Piastri received the Don Award not only for his on-track excellence, but for his off-track demeanor.
“It’s an elite and foreign world to most of us but we feel linked to this young man’s challenges and triumphs lived out in a spotlight that very few sports attract,” said Sport Australia Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair Bruce McAvaney OAM.
“His superb skill and sportsmanship are matched with a rare maturity and poise in an adrenaline-fuelled arena.”
Reaction and looking forward
Occupied with Las Vegas Grand Prix preparations, Piastri was not able to attend the ceremony. His parents, Nicole and Chris Piastri, accepted the award on his behalf. However, Piastri still expressed his gratitude:
“Everyone in Australia knows exactly what he represented and the legacy he has in Australian sport, so it’s not lost on me how major this award is. It’s always an amazing feeling to represent our country on the world stage and do well for ourselves.”
With only two races and a sprint left in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Piastri will continue fighting for the Drivers’ Championship. Only 24 points behind his teammate Lando Norris, each one will count for Piastri.
Featured Image Credit: McLaren Media Library