Oscar Piastri surprised fans with an unannounced visit to Monaco, appearing at a high-profile athletics event just weeks before the Belgian Grand Prix. The Australian Formula 1 driver, who currently leads the drivers‘ standings, was spotted supporting athletes at the Diamond League meet in the principality, drawing attention away from the upcoming Spa-Francorchamps race.
Although Monaco is a familiar location for many F1 stars due to its annual grand prix, the event this time was unrelated to racing, making Piastri’s presence unexpected for fans focused on the Belgian GP. The timing was notable as the next F1 race was rapidly approaching, yet Piastri chose to engage publicly at an athletics competition instead.
Engagement with Athletics Stars and Young Talent
At the event, Piastri posed alongside Armand Duplantis, the record-breaking pole vaulter widely regarded as one of the greatest in athletics history. This meeting between the F1 leader and the two-time Olympic champion created a buzz, highlighting an unusual crossover between two sports worlds.
The 24-year-old Australian was also seen cheering for fellow countryman Gout Gout, a promising 17-year-old sprinter who clinched the under-23 200-meter final during the meet. Piastri shared photos from the event, including one with Gout Gout, which quickly gained traction on social media with fans expressing excitement over the pairing of established and emerging Australian talents.
Oscar and Gout Gout – an iconic Aussie duo,
one user commented,
The two fastest men in Australia.
another noted.
Piastri Reflects on His Connection to Athletics
Among the images posted by Piastri was a photo with Prince Albert II of Monaco, a symbolic nod to the driver’s growing stature akin to Monaco’s sporting royalty after his impressive five wins in the first twelve Grands Prix of the 2025 season. Piastri captioned the post with a personal note:
Loved athletics as a kid. Unbelievable to watch the best up close.
—Oscar Piastri
Fans responded enthusiastically to Piastri’s interaction with Duplantis, celebrating the collaboration between two elite athletes from distinct disciplines. Duplantis is renowned for holding the top 11 pole vault heights ever recorded and earned Olympic gold twice before turning 26.
Mondo and Oscar, best crossover ever,
a fan remarked,
Duplantis x Piastri – oh my two worlds come together again.
another added.
Context Around Piastri’s Break and Upcoming Challenges
This athletics outing followed a tough British Grand Prix weekend where Piastri, after battling hard on track, was penalized with a 10-second time penalty that cost him a better finish behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. The driver took this opportunity in Monaco to refocus and recharge ahead of the high stakes at Spa, Belgium, where the championship battle continues to intensify.
Given Monaco’s status as a residence for many F1 stars, Piastri’s presence there was not unusual, but his engagement with a Diamond League athletics event drew surprise and admiration from fans and pundits alike. The visit illustrated a thoughtful balance between competitive drive and personal interests, humanizing a leading figure in motorsport.
Impact and What’s Next for Piastri and the F1 Season
Oscar Piastri’s appearance at the Monaco athletics event highlights the multidimensional nature of athletes today, blending sports fandom and cross-disciplinary support. As the F1 paddock shifts focus to the Belgian Grand Prix, Piastri’s form and mindset following this break will be closely watched by fans and rivals eager for his next move.
With five victories already this season and a growing fanbase energized by moments like this, Piastri is positioned not only as a racing talent but also as a sports personality embracing diverse interests. His ability to engage beyond the track could inspire deeper connections with fans as the 2025 F1 season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Oscar Piastri’s family rich?
A. Oscar’s racing career received substantial financial support from his father, Chris Piastri. Chris co-founded a major automotive software company, HP Tuners, worth about $35 billion. This support is estimated at $6.5 million to help Oscar advance to Formula 1.