Run by the highly popular motorsport journal Autosport, the award is given to a professional racing driver in their first season of their respective category who receives the most votes from the journal’s readers.

 

Having won the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship in his rookie season, Piastri beat a number of talented rookies to claim the award, with LMP2 star Paul di Resta, World Rally Championship driver Kalle Rovanpera and Formula 2 race winner Yuki Tsunoda all nominated after stellar years behind the wheel.

 

“It's very cool – thanks to everyone who voted for me and to Autosport for putting me up for nomination," Piastri told Autosport.

 

"I keep having to remind myself that this was a rookie season.



 

"The compact calendar put everyone to the test. It took its toll mentally and physically having nine race weekends in 11 weeks, but I'm very happy to have walked away with the championship.



 

"Winning the championship meant I got the opportunity to test a Formula 1 car with Renault. That was the coolest day of my life so far and hopefully there will be more of those."
 

 

The Renault Sport Academy driver now joins an illustrious list of previous winners, which include Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Jenson Button and Piastri’s current manager, Mark Webber.