For months, the Red Bull second seat was in contention. However, after the dust settled, Sergio Perez still kept a firm grip on his seat. However, this period of uncertainty did reveal Max Verstappen will surely have a new partner in the 2024 season after Perez’s contract runs out. There are multiple options on hand and after his British GP heroics, Lando Norris was pipped to be the best option to make the already unstoppable Red Bull team invincible. Although stepping away from the popular opinion, we now have a new and more worthy candidate to partner alongside Verstappen in the shape of Oscar Piastri.

Piastri has been phenomenal in his rookie season so far. His maiden podium only added to his heroics in the sport and earned him more admirers. Among those many is former boss Eddie Jordan. The Irishman, while speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, made an interesting revelation, followed by an eyebrow-raising admission.

Jordan revealed, “Way back in the late 80s with Johnny Herbert and he was managed by Mark Webber’s wife. I’ve had that relationship and understood and I thought she was probably the best and most professional manager of any sports person that I’ve come across. So she tipped me off and said ‘Listen I have to tell you this guy is the real deal.’ I think he is the real deal.”

“Full marks to McLaren, they signed him till 2026 because they needed to, because he will be a sought-after driver. If I was in Red Bull and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind,” he confessed.

Read More: Verstappen v. Hamilton – Lando Norris Delivers Verdict as Oscar Piastri Provides Perfect Escape

In fact, there is another F1 veteran who believes Piastri is a top-notch driver and his conduct in the sport has been excellent. This veteran boss turned journalist also believes Piastri’s approach toward F1 makes him a rare gem.

Oscar Piastri earns high praise from Peter Windsor for his approach toward the sport and how he looks at Max Verstappen

Whenever there is a new driver that enters Formula 1, their mentality is to beat their teammate first and the best man on the grid. Even though it may take a few years, Max Verstappen showcased it’s an attainable target.

Piastri might’ve entered the sport with the same mindset and he might also have the capabilities, but his approach is different. Instead of going after everyone, he is first sitting back and observing. He is making himself better by learning from the best, even if he’s set a target on their backs. Peter Windsor really appreciated this quality of Piastri.

Windsor said, “I think he’s a little bit more self-critical in terms of his driving technique than Lando. Possibly because this is his rookie season and he’s trying to learn everything he can. But the reality is there aren’t many drivers these days that go around watching other drivers and learning from them and he does watch Max very closely learn from him. I think it’s an incredibly positive thing and beyond that, he’s got everything.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Is Oscar Piastri Already Justifying His Talent By Performing Better Than Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren?

Piastri is already justifying his talents in the McLaren car. His contract extension is further proof of that. Although it’s too early to predict the heights he will touch in this world of Formula 1.