Oscar Piastri's Google Pixel Ad Features Ruthless Alpine Joke

Oscar Piastri’s latest Google Pixel commercial has gone viral, not just for its tech showcase, but for a ruthless visual gag targeting his former team, Alpine. The ad leans into the Australian driver's famously stoic persona, culminating in a scene where a painting of Alpine mountains is swapped for a papaya fruit—a direct reference to his messy 2022 contract saga that saw him leave the Enstone squad for McLaren.

Why it matters:

Beyond the humor, the ad underscores Piastri's rising status as a marketable star who can engage with F1's complex narratives. It also cleverly leverages the history between driver and team to resonate with fans, proving that commercial partnerships can successfully tap into the sport's drama without alienating the audience. This approach humanizes the driver while reinforcing the strength of the McLaren-Google alliance.

The details:

• Deadpan Delivery: Piastri addresses his lack of visible emotion directly, stating, "I know I don't always show it, but winning does excite me," while maintaining a signature straight face.
• The "Diabolical" Switch: The viral moment occurs when Piastri walks into a room where crew members replace an Alpine mountain painting with a papaya one. His voiceover notes, "So when I see a chance to get ahead, I will change things up."
• Fan Response: Viewers quickly caught the subtle reference, with comments calling the painting swap "absolutely diabolical" and noting they "can't unsee" it.
• Strategic Partnership: Google has been a McLaren sponsor since 2022. Google Australia’s CMO highlighted Piastri's "never settle" mindset as a perfect brand fit for the tech giant.
• On-Track Context: The piece notes Piastri's third-place finish in the 2025 Drivers' Championship and his focus on retaining McLaren's momentum.

Looking ahead:

As McLaren looks to sustain its competitive edge in the final years of the ground effect era, Piastri appears comfortable balancing his role as a top-tier driver with a growing public profile. The ad suggests he is willing to embrace his past controversies with humor, endearing him further to the F1 faithful.