F3 champ Oscar Piastri lands F2 promotion with Prema Racing

2020 FIA Formula 3 Champion Oscar Piastri will step up to the FIA F2 Championship in 2021 after securing a promotion with the leading Prema Racing team.

The Australian made his F3 debut in 2020 with Prema Racing after winning the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup title, an achievement that subsequently earned him a spot in the Renault Driver Academy development programme.

Going on to secure two wins and three podiums, it was enough to hold off Theo Pouchaire by a mere three points after a thrilling finale at Mugello.

"I'm super excited to be racing with Prema in the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship,” said Piastri. “We had a very successful 2020 season, winning the Formula 3 championship together, and I’m hoping for another successful year with them.

“Prema has proven to be the team to beat once again in F2 this year, so I’m extremely happy to be moving into the championship with them. I’m very grateful to stay a part of the Prema family, and I’m looking forward to plenty more pizza and pasta!”

"We are delighted to welcome Oscar to our FIA Formula 2 team,” added Team Principal Rene Rosin. “Not only he is a talented racer with outstanding speed skills. He has a clear understanding of the complexities of today's motorsports and he is extremely adaptable.

“Having witnessed his progress and success throughout the 2020 season, taking our relationship to the next step for the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship felt like the natural thing to do and we look forward to having him on-track right from Bahrain"

Piastri’s promotion would see him most likely replace Mick Schumacher in the Italian team, with the German - son of seven-time champion Michael - expected to make his F1 debut in 2021 with Haas.