For subscribers

In the Driver’s Seat

Will McLaren unleash silent assassin Oscar Piastri after thrilling F1 season opener?

Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox

PHOTO: REUTERS

Google Preferred Source badge

We call Oscar Piastri the silent assassin, because his youthful looks and shy smile belie the inner steel and sheer determination of the soon-to-be 24 year-old, as he goes into his third year in Formula One intent on becoming the third Australian world champion after the great Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.

After the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, which he so badly wanted to win, he was not smiling. He might not actually have been grimacing – he would make one hell of a professional poker player – but inside the anger was raging, as it was within his small support coterie and many of his fans.

See more on