In a surprise to fans of the Australian, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has admitted that he raced with a fractured rib during the final races leading up to the F1 summer shutdown.
The young driver, through an ultrasound scan shared on his Instagram dated July 8—one day after competing at the British Grand Prix, revealed that he sustained the injury around that time. Despite this painful setback, Piastri competed in Hungary where he clinched his first Grand Prix victory.
Piastri’s broken rib, specifically the fracture of his sixth rib, casts his performance in a new light. His victory in Hungary was initially overshadowed by underwhelming celebrations, initially thought to be due to the controversial team orders in favor of him over his teammate Lando Norris.
However, the reveal of the injury provides an alternate context – it’s likely he was in a lot of pain, so it’s no surprise that he wasn’t feeling the need to scream in celebration.
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“First part of the season done. First GP victory. First broken bone. Rib’s enjoying the break,” Piastri posted to Instagram.
This isn’t the first time a driver has driven with some sort of injury. After the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz drove while healing from an appendicitis surgery. Whether it be the sweet soothing of the adrenaline rush these guys get from racing or simply the strength of a lion, these racers are like nothing else.
Piastri’s manager, former Red Bull driver and fellow Australian Mark Webber, holds high hopes for his recovery and continued success.
“It’s been enjoyable working closely with him,” Webber commented. “He’s obviously a very special talent. He knows what’s right for the future, to continue to unleash that talent.”
Piastri’s proactive stance towards his career and inherent talent make him a ‘world champion in waiting,’ as noted by his race-winning manager. With expectations of a full recovery in time for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, following the F1 summer recess, Piastri is anticipated to return to peak condition.
Reflecting on the broader influence of Australian racers, Webber continued:
“Jack Brabham was the original, he showed us the way in, and in more ways than one. Australians love racing. In terms of pound for pound, it’s a country where we just love our Formula 1.”
“We’re in safe hands for the future obviously,” Webber adds. “Oscar is just starting his career out, which is awesome.
“There’s not many guys that have won at that level.
“Especially with just how sensitive the cars are now and how tight the times are, which is really a credit to him that he’s been able to hang out there, week in week out.”
