Oscar Piastri on F1's 'UNO' World Championship and Russell's 'Questionable' Rules

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has lifted the lid on the fierce, off-track competition among F1 drivers, revealing an "UNO World Championship" he contested with George Russell and Alex Albon. The informal tournament, held during a long-haul flight, featured "questionable" family rules from Russell that ultimately tipped the scales in his favor, highlighting the drivers' relentless competitive spirit extends far beyond the racetrack.

Why it matters:

This anecdote offers a glimpse into the mindset that defines Formula 1's elite. The fact that drivers like Piastri, Russell, and Albon create fiercely competitive games out of downtime underscores the innate drive that pushes them to battle for thousandths of a second on track. It humanizes the drivers, showing their competitive fire is always burning, whether they're in a cockpit or at 30,000 feet.

The details:

• The "UNO World Championship" took place on a flight from Baku to Singapore during the 2024 season.
• George Russell introduced "family rules" that Piastri had never encountered, which the McLaren driver admitted gave Russell a competitive edge.
• Piastri's competitiveness isn't new; he won a national RC car championship at age nine before moving to karting a year later.
• The 2025 championship contender is still adjusting to his rising fame, noting the "strange" experience of being recognized in everyday places like the supermarket.
• He resides in Monaco, citing its convenience for travel to races and for leisure activities like padel with fellow drivers.

What's next:

As Piastri prepares for the 2025 season, this relentless drive will be a key asset in his fight for the championship. Having established himself as a race winner and a consistent front-runner, his ability to find a competitive edge in any situation—whether it's car setup, strategy, or a card game—suggests he is well-equipped for the pressures of a title fight.