Oscar Piastri is to have a grandstand named after him at the Australian Grand Prix in 2026, where he may be kicking off his F1 drivers' championship defence.
The driver from Melbourne will follow in the footsteps of some of the country's most successful and best-loved motorsport talent, including Jack Brabham, Alan Jones and Daniel Ricciardo.
The grandstand will be situated on the main straight, opposite the pit lane and will hold the seats closest to the start line.
"I'm very excited by the news that I'll have my own grandstand at next year's Australian Grand Prix," the McLaren driver shared.
"It feels very surreal, and I never thought this would happen, but the support is incredible, and I can't wait to see it all come together next March.
"Seeing all the fans in my own grandstand directly opposite the McLaren garage is going to be an amazing experience, and I'm really looking forward to feeling the energy and the atmosphere."
"Thanks to everyone who has made this happen, and thanks in advance to everyone who wants to be part of it.
"The Australian fans always turn out to support me, and this is just an extra reason why I can't wait to race in Melbourne in 2026."
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Celebrating a local star
Mark Webber, Piastri's manager, also had a grandstand named after him during his career in F1, which ran between 2002 and 2013.
"It's magnificent news for the event and for Oscar," said the former Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull driver.
"It's a reflection of his results so far, incredibly early in his career, that he's managed to have the amount of podiums and victories that he's had.
"Clearly he is very comfortable at the elite level, and making his presence felt, which is brilliant, and representing Australia in the way that the country likes to be represented.
"I think it will all sink in when the event is underway and the people in the grandstand can be opposite Oscar's pit box. It will be an added bonus for the fans and Oscar alike."
Tickets for next year's Australian Grand Prix, which will be between 5-8 March 2026, will go on sale 10 September 2025, with an American Express card member pre-sale the week before.
A range of pricing options will be available - for both the event at large and the Piastri Grandstand - starting from $45 for adults.
Steve Dimopolous, Australia's minister for tourism, sport and major events, added: "The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is a celebration of Melbourne's best – our world-class hospitality, our food and drink, our unmatched passion for sport – so it's fitting this grandstand recognises the achievements of one of our most successful local motorsport legends.
"Whether you want to be one of the first fans to experience the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from the Piastri Grandstand, or are simply looking to lock in your annual Park Pass, get ready because these tickets will be hot."
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