'They're not for Lewis'- WATCH: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri owns fans with his 1/16 Chinese heritage

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri clinched his first-ever pole position at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. The Australian driver was the fastest man on the grid and even broke the Formula 1 lap record set by the 2018 pole sitter Sebastian Vettel at the Shanghai International Circuit. Piastri outpaced his teammate Lando Norris and Rivals from Mercedes and Ferrari to become the new pole sitter. The track conditions were also favourable for him as he starts from the front, and the dirty air won't be an issue tomorrow. 

After the qualifying session, the three F1 drivers Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Lando Norris were at the driver's press conference. There Piastri owned the chinese fans by mentioning his 1/16 chinese heritage. The Melbourne-born driver's great-great-grandmother from his mother's side was a chinese woman. 

Also Read :F1 2025 Chinese Grand Prix Race Results: Oscar Piastri wins for McLaren in Shanghai

WATCH: Oscar Piastri and his 1/16 Chinese heritage

Someone asked Oscar about China being his 1/16 home race:

George: “Are you Chinese?”
Oscar: “The 1/16 heritage wasn’t a joke. That’s real.
George: “What? Wow.”
Oscar: “So they’re all here for me. They’re not here for Lewis, they’re here for me.”

pic.twitter.com/ejwIIddcin

— did oscar score points in f1 today? (@oscarpiastri81) March 22, 2025

In the press conference, Oscar was asked about his chinese heritage and even his fellow driver George Russell was keen to know how Oscar was linked to China. The Australian was quick with a cheeky dig at Lewis Hamilton, who has the most fans following on the entire grid.

Oscar said, “The 1/16 heritage wasn't a joke. That’s real. So they’re (Chinese fans) all here for me. They’re not here for Lewis; they’re here for me.” At last, we got to see the smile on Oscar’s face after a disastrous home race in Australia where the Australian GP curse triumphed again.

Lando Norris was expected to win the pole as he was the lead driver for McLaren, even though they disagreed with the Number 1 driver policy. The British driver made a big mistake in his final run and cancelled his lap. Oscar Piastri went the fastest in his final run and clinched the pole position. The 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix will be a great opportunity for Oscar to start his 2025 Formula 1 Championship campaign and if he wins tomorrow, it will be a great confidence booster. The opening lap will be critical and drivers should be careful with their tyres to win the race in Shanghai. 

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