A unique honor for Oscar Piastri: a recently discovered wasp species has been named after the Australian Formula 1 driver. The wasp species was discovered in amber in northern Myanmar and is now named ‘Gwesped piastrii’.
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A research article from the scientific journal Palaeoworld published the discovery of the new wasp species. In the article, the researchers – Corentin Jouault, Di-Ying Huang, and Celso O. Azevedo – also immediately explain why the wasp species is named after Oscar Piastri.
“The species name is a tribute to Oscar Piastri for his achievements in Formula 1, and because the color of the piece of amber reminded the first author of the iconic McLaren orange,” the article reads. “The name should be treated as a noun in the genitive.” The article then continues about the importance of the discovery of the species. “The descriptions of ‘Gwesped piastrii’ contribute to a better understanding of the morphological diversity within the genus.”
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‘I am now part of biological history’
In a video on McLaren’s social media channels, Piastri responds to the news. ‘Have you heard the news yet?’, the Australian is asked in English, with a pun immediately made about the double meaning of ‘buzz’. “I am famous now,” answers the McLaren driver. “I am now part of biological history. It’s such fun news that I might accidentally sting someone,” Piastri jokes.
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He’s truly buzzing 🐝#McLarenF1 pic.twitter.com/JOEIUPXHw4
— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) May 28, 2026
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