Oscar Piastri Honored with 100-Million-Year-Old Wasp Fossil Named After Him

A 100-million-year-old wasp fossil preserved in amber has been named after McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri, marking an unusual and lasting tribute to the Australian's accomplishments. The tiny insect, Gwesped piastrii, was discovered in Myanmar and is roughly 30 million years older than the T-Rex.

Why it matters:

The naming reflects Piastri's growing influence beyond the racetrack and highlights how motorsport culture intersects with scientific recognition. It's a rare honor for an active driver, underscoring the global reach of F1 and the personal connections that can inspire researchers.

The details:

• The fossil was found in amber from Noije Bum Hill, Hukawng Valley, in Myanmar's Kachin State.
• At just 1.15mm long, the wasp dates to the middle Cretaceous period, which ended about 66 million years ago.
• Researchers decided on the name Gwesped piastrii to honor "his achievements in Formula 1, and because the colour of the amber piece recalled to the first author the iconic McLaren orange."
• The team behind the discovery includes Corentin Jouault (University of Oxford), Di-Ying Huang (Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology), and Celso O. Azevedo (Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil).

Between the lines:

Tying a prehistoric creature to a modern F1 driver is a playful but genuine gesture. The reference to McLaren's orange livery — a nod to the team's heritage — shows how deeply team identity resonates even in scientific circles. For Piastri, it's a unique accolade that transcends the sport.

Looking ahead, the young driver continues to build his legacy on track, but this fossil ensures his name will be remembered for millions of years — quite literally.