New buzz in F1: ancient wasp species named after Piastri

A newly discovered species of wasp dating from the ​time of the dinosaurs and ‌found preserved in Burmese amber has been named after McLaren Formula One driver ​Oscar Piastri.

A research article, opens new tabin the June ​issue of academic journal Palaeoworld ⁠named the insect, found in northern ​Myanmar and dating from the ​middle Cretaceous period, as 'Gwesped Piastrii'.

"The specific epithet honours Mr. Oscar Piastri for his achievements ​in Formula One, and because ​the colour of the amber piece recalled to ‌the ⁠first author the iconic McLaren orange," the article explained.

The Cretaceous period ended 65m years ago.

Piastri, 25, ​made ​his Formula ⁠One debut in 2023 and has won nine ​grands prix.

The Australian, currently attending ​the ⁠Isle of Man TT races with a weekend off before the 7 June ​Monaco Grand Prix, ​had yet to comment on the accolade.