Imagine a Formula 1 superstar swapping the sleek, high-speed world of open-wheel racing for the raw, muscular thrill of Supercars. That's exactly what Oscar Piastri did recently, and the experience was nothing short of eye-opening. But here's where it gets controversial: could this be a glimpse into Piastri's post-F1 career? Let’s dive in.
As part of a promotional event with shared sponsor Monster Energy, the McLaren F1 driver slid into the driver’s seat of Cam Waters’ Mustang. The ‘test’ was shrouded in secrecy, with footage locked down for a future release by Monster. Yet, Piastri couldn’t resist sharing a few tantalizing details about his Supercars debut.
When asked by Speedcafe about the experience, Piastri confirmed, ‘It did happen, yes.’ He went on to describe the unique sensation of driving a race car with a roof for the first time, a stark contrast to his F1 cockpit. ‘It was cool,’ he admitted, highlighting the surprising freedom to tackle kerbs without the constant fear of damaging the car or himself—a luxury F1 drivers rarely enjoy.
And this is the part most people miss: Piastri noted the dramatic differences between the two racing worlds. ‘Incredibly different to an F1 car,’ he said. The Supercar offered less grip, less downforce, and less power, yet it felt more alive, with a raw, unfiltered driving experience. ‘A bit more going on when you’re in the car,’ he added, capturing the essence of Supercars’ rugged charm.
Despite the thrill, Piastri made it clear that any dreams of racing in Supercars would have to wait. His focus remains firmly on F1, and with the demanding calendar, a Bathurst co-drive isn’t on the horizon. ‘At the moment, I’m very much focused on F1,’ he stated. But he left the door open for the future: ‘When I retire, maybe I’ll think about it.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Could Supercars become Piastri’s second act after F1? While it’s pure speculation now, the idea of a world-class driver like Piastri tackling the iconic Bathurst 1000 is undeniably exciting. What do you think? Would you like to see him make the switch someday? Let us know in the comments!
