McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri honored with dinosaur-era wasp named after him

Scientists identified the insect from a specimen preserved in Burmese amber dating back to the middle Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.

The discovery was detailed in the June edition of the academic journal Palaeoworld, where researchers officially named the species "Gwesped Piastrii".

According to the paper, the name was chosen in recognition of Piastri's achievements in Formula 1 and because the amber containing the specimen reminded the lead researcher of McLaren's distinctive papaya orange colours.

The study explained: "The specific epithet honours Mr. Oscar Piastri for his achievements in Formula One, and because the colour of the amber piece recalled to the first author the iconic McLaren orange."

While Piastri continues his rise at the front of the Formula 1 grid, his name is now also permanently attached to a species that lived alongside some of the most famous creatures in Earth's history.

It is a rare crossover between motorsport and palaeontology, ensuring that the Australian's name will be remembered not only in racing records but also in the scientific literature documenting life from the age of the dinosaurs.

Piastri is currently in his fourth season in Formula 1 and is currently sixth in the 2026 Formula Drivers' Championship after two podiums in Miami and Japan.

While he was a Title contender early in 2025, Piastri dropped back later and finished third behind Championship runner up Max Verstappen and Champion Lando Norris.

McLaren and lagging behind Mercedes so far in 2026 with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli fighting for wins with Piastri and Norris playing catch up.

Piastri has visited the podium 28 times in Formula 1 with nine of those being wins. He also has six pole positions to his name.