Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren Team driver Oscar Piastri (81) during media availalbilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oscar Piastri Reveals Heartbreaking News Ahead of 2025 F1 Season

Originally posted on F1 on SI | By Alex Harrington | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 6:19 PM ET

Australian Formula 1 driver, Oscar Piastri, who impressed plenty during the 2024 season driving with McLaren, shared some deeply personal news on the social media platform X. He revealed to his followers that he had to say goodbye to one of his beloved dogs, Rosie, recently. This snippet from his personal life struck a chord with fans who shared a wave of empathy and their own stories of loss.

Piastri, a rising star in Formula 1, supported his teammate Lando Norris brilliantly throughout his two-year tenure at the Papaya team. Last season, he was instrumental in bringing McLaren its first Constructors' Championship since 1998, achieving two grand prix wins that year.

Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Rosie recently but Basil is still keeping us on our toes pic.twitter.com/tc2VaTTby5
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) January 19, 2025

His remarkable performance was mirrored by Norris, who secured second place in the driver standings behind Max Verstappen. Piastri himself finished in fourth place. With a solid ambition to lead races this coming season, Piastri looks forward to having a clear shot at the championship.

Followers of the driver showered Piastri with support after he posted about Rosie's passing. One fan said:

"I’m so sorry Oscar, I lost my girl Poppy 7 months ago. It’s truly awful but they’re running over the rainbow bridge eating all the treats they could want and playing together, I’m sure of it."

The outpouring of heartfelt condolences wasn't just limited to Oscars' recent loss; pet-loving users of the platform shared their own stories. Another fan added, "So sorry for your loss :( I also lost my cat on Thursday... He was 19 years old, but he wasn't sick, he just died suddenly... It is so weird not having him around, it's like I'm always waiting to see him somewhere in the house." [sic]

As the 2025 season approaches, anticipation surrounds how Piastri and McLaren will position themselves for another potentially successful year. Teams carefully craft strategies, and for McLaren, nurturing both Piastri and Norris as competitive drivers will be pivotal.

Piastri, now eyeing his third season, hopes to elevate his rank and avoid the constraints of previous "Papaya" orders, ensuring his ambitions for championship victories are fulfilled. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has confirmed that both drivers will be able to compete on equal terms, at least as the season starts.

This article first appeared on F1 on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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