Nine-time Formula One Grand Prix winner Oscar Piastri has received Australian sport’s highest individual honour, the Don Award, describing the moment as a “massive privilege.”

The 24-year-old has surged into global motorsport’s elite this season, reigniting national pride as he continues his quest to become only the third Australian Formula One world champion, following Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.

Piastri is currently locked in a tense title fight after losing the championship lead at last month’s Mexico City Grand Prix. With three races remaining, he sits 24 points behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

The Don Award—named after cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman—is presented annually to the Australian athlete or team that has most inspired the nation in the past year. Piastri received the honour on Thursday night in his hometown of Melbourne at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame awards.

“Winning an award in the name of Sir Donald Bradman is a massive privilege,” Piastri said. “Everyone in Australia knows exactly what he represented and the legacy he has in Australian sport, so it’s not lost on me how major this award is.

“It’s always an amazing feeling to represent our country on the world stage and do well for ourselves. Thank you to everyone that waves the flag and cheers me on at all the Grand Prix races around the world.”

Previous winners of the Don Award include some of Australia’s most iconic sporting names, among them Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman, Adam Scott, Ashleigh Barty and the Matildas.

Layne Beachley Receives Dawn Award

Seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley was also recognised on the night, winning the Dawn Award, which honours a person or organisation that has changed sport for the better. The award is named after swimming great Dawn Fraser.

Beachley captured her first world title at 26 before dominating women’s surfing from 1998 to 2003, winning six consecutive championships—an unmatched achievement in the sport.

“When I joined the pro tour in 1990, I was shocked by the state of women’s surfing and committed to changing the sport’s trajectory,” she said. “Through compromises, sacrifices and battles, we achieved pay equity in 2018. Now women can truly aspire to be seen and respected in what was once a male-dominated environment.”