In a heartwarming moment at the Belgian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri's grandfather became an unexpected star as he celebrated his grandson's podium finish with a bottle of champagne. The touching family scene unfolded at Spa-Francorchamps after the McLaren driver secured third place in Sunday's race.
A Family Affair in the Paddock
The 22-year-old Australian F1 rookie enjoyed his second career podium, but it was his 85-year-old grandfather Chris who captured hearts when he was handed a bottle of bubbly in the post-race celebrations. Video footage shows the emotional moment as Piastri hands the champagne to his beaming grandfather, who proudly raises it aloft before taking a swig.
Piastri's Breakthrough Season Continues
The Spa result marks another milestone in Piastri's impressive debut F1 season with McLaren. After struggling early in the year with an uncompetitive car, the team's recent upgrades have transformed their fortunes, with Piastri now demonstrating why he was so highly rated in junior categories.
"It's been an amazing turnaround for us," Piastri said after the race. "To be fighting for podiums now is incredible after where we started the season."
Family Support Key to Success
The presence of Piastri's grandfather in Belgium highlights the close family ties that have supported the young driver's rapid rise through motorsport. Chris Piastri has been a constant presence throughout his grandson's career, from karting days to this breakthrough F1 season.
Team principal Andrea Stella praised the family moment: "These are the human stories that make our sport special. Oscar's performance was brilliant, but seeing him share it with his family was even more beautiful."
As the F1 circus moves to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri will be looking to build on this momentum - perhaps with another champagne celebration in store, this time hopefully on the top step of the podium.
