F1 2023: Alan Jones predicts Oscar Piastri could be a title contender as soon as 2024

Young gun Oscar Piastri caught the F1 world’s attention at the British Grand Prix and an Australian champion has predicted him to take a major step next year.

Third placed qualifier Oscar Piastri. Picture: Peter Fox/Getty Images

World champion Alan Jones has predicted Australian young gun Oscar Piastri can be a title challenger in Formula One as soon as next year if McLaren can keep up with its upgrades.

The Formula One rookie stunned with a career-best qualifying performance and race finish at the British Grand Prix last start.

Just 10 races into his F1 career, Piastri took advantage of upgrades to his McLaren to qualify his car in third place on the grid before backing up with a fourth-place finish at Silverstone.

The 22-year-old was in with a shot at a maiden podium save for the unfortunate timing of a late safety car.

Jones, Australia’s last F1 world champion, was not surprised by Piastri’s breakthrough performances and predicted he would be on the podium before the end of the year.

“It wasn’t entirely surprising … I thought he might have had it beforehand to be honest,” Jones said.

“But it will certainly give him a boost and the confidence and I think he will go on to be a consistent points winner now, for sure.

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised (if we see him up on the podium). I think we will.”

Oscar Piastri, pictured with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris after qualifying in third position at the British Grand Prix. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

The Melbourne racer entered F1 as a much-hyped talent on the back of three consecutive title wins, including the F3 and F2 crowns.

And Jones said it would not be long before he was contending in F1.

“I think (he can be a title challenger) next year, if they keep up the improvements,” Jones said.

“They have just got to make sure that they keep up with the upgrades and keep abreast of everything.

“I can’t see him not being a title contender.

“Every now and then someone comes along who is a bit of a freak and, to a certain degree in his early stages, I put Piastri in that category.

“Oscar has won everything that he has put his bum in. There are not too many people that have done that and the ones that have done that have gone on to great things.”

Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the British Grand Prix. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Jones said he had been impressed with Piastri’s racecraft and his attitude out of the car.

“His demeanour out of the car – he is sensible, down to earth and answers questions properly,” Jones said.

“You know, he doesn’t carry on. I’m a fan of his.”

Ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri (17 points) sits 11th in the F1 driver standings, two places behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris (42 points).