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.
The insect, discovered in northern Myanmar and dating from the middle Cretaceous period, was formally identified as ‘Gwesped Piastrii’ in a research article in the June issue of academic journal Palaeoworld. The Cretaceous period ended 65 million years ago.
“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.
Piastri, 25, who made his Formula One debut in 2023 and has won nine grands prix, is currently attending the Isle of Man TT races, where tragedy has struck after a fatal crash in qualifying.
It was confirmed by organisers on Thursday that British rider Daniel Ingham tragically died following a crash during a qualifying session for this year’s races.
The announcement comes after officials earlier suspended all sidecar racing for the remainder of the event, citing safety concerns in the wake of several other serious incidents.
Ingham, 33, was involved in a fatal collision at Doran’s Bend on the first lap of the third qualifying session. An experienced competitor on the island, he had previously won the 2024 Senior Manx Grand Prix and was making his debut at the renowned TT races.
The decision to halt sidecar events followed a series of crashes. Wednesday’s evening qualifying session was red-flagged after brothers Ryan and Callum Crowe crashed their sidecar, both sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
On Tuesday evening, Maria Costello and passenger Shaun Parker also crashed, with Costello subsequently transferred to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in a serious but stable condition.
Organisers stated: “We recognise the long-standing history of sidecar racing at the TT, together with the commitment of the competitors, teams and supporters involved in the class. This decision has not been taken lightly.
“However, the safety of competitors, spectators, marshals, officials and all those involved in the event must remain the priority.”
Meanwhile, Piastri, who is set to compete in next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, has yet to comment on his own unique accolade.
