McLaren's sensational rookie Oscar Piastri has set his sights on an extraordinary Formula 1 milestone - matching the legendary career longevity of Kimi Raikkonen and racing well into his forties.
The young Australian driver, who has been turning heads with his impressive performances this season, revealed his long-term ambition during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort. While many drivers focus on immediate results, Piastri is already planning a career that could span decades.
The Iceman's Legacy
Raikkonen, affectionately known as 'The Iceman', retired in 2021 at 41 years old after competing in a record-breaking 349 Grands Prix. His career spanned an incredible 19 seasons, making him one of the most experienced drivers in F1 history.
"I'd like to be in F1 for a long time," Piastri stated confidently. "If I could have a career as long as Kimi's, that would be pretty cool. I'm only 22 now, so that would mean another 19 years in the sport."
McLaren's Golden Duo
Piastri forms part of McLaren's exciting young driver lineup alongside British star Lando Norris. The team has shown remarkable progress this season, with both drivers consistently challenging for podium positions and demonstrating the McLaren package's growing competitiveness.
The Australian's mature approach to his career planning has impressed many in the paddock. Rather than getting caught up in short-term goals, he's clearly thinking about sustainable success and longevity in the demanding world of Formula 1.
The Path Ahead
While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining peak performance over two decades, Piastri appears determined to follow in the footsteps of F1's great endurance champions. His methodical approach and clear-headed ambition suggest he has both the talent and mindset to achieve his remarkable goal.
As the F1 circus continues its global tour, all eyes will be on whether this promising young driver can indeed emulate one of the sport's most enduring legends and carve out his own piece of Formula 1 history.
