The vast majority of us will spend the first day at a job sitting through tepid welcome meetings, enduring pages of mind-numbing onboarding materials, and perhaps grabbing a knock-off beer accompanied by idle chit-chat come Friday (if we’re lucky). Oscar Piastri, on the other hand, has recently enjoyed a slightly different experience during his first official day at the McLaren Technology Centre ahead of his debut as a full-time Formula 1 driver.
In addition to being issued a phone, tablet, and access pass to the Woking-based F1 team’s facilities, the young Aussie was handed the keys to a brand new McLaren Artura, which – for context – has a price tag that begins at a baseline $449,500 (without all the niceties + extras).
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“I believe this is called the perks of the job,” the homegrown motorsport talent quipped while walking towards his 617 BHP company car.
After doing the rounds with factory personnel and various staff members, as well as logging a session in the McLaren F1 simulator, Oscar Piastri had a sitdown meeting with chief executive Zak Brown who, true to his reputation, dangled yet another tasty incentive for excellent grid performance. One that could potentially backfire, as in the case of the agreement Brown made with former McLaren driver and Piastri’s compatriot, Daniel Ricciardo.
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“So what we need to think about, this is something for you to think about, but your first podium, whenever that may be – hopefully sooner rather than later – I like to reward our drivers,” said Zak Brown.
“I got stuck with a tattoo on one of them. But give some thought to what would be memorable for you, and we’ll do something fun,” Brown added, in reference to the Monza track layout now stamped on his body after Ricciardo’s historic victory in Italy circa 2021.
“I’ll think of something,” Piastri responded with a grin.
Oscar Piastri partners fellow young gun Lando Norris at McLaren Racing this season.
Check out the full video of Oscar Piastri’s first day at McLaren above.
