A new species of wasp named after Oscar Piastri

This is a discovery that could go viral! A newly identified species of wasp, dating back to the Cretaceous period (66 million years ago), has been named “Gwesped piastrii”, in reference to the pilot McLaren Oscar piastri.

Gwesped piastrii, 10x2x8mm

The fossil, found in northern Myanmar (formerly Burma), is encased in Burmese amber, a material renowned for its scientific value in paleontology. It will be housed at the Institute of Geology and Paleontology in Nanjing, eastern China, approximately 300 km from Shanghai.

The three researchers, including the Frenchman Corentin Jouault, have justified this name, explaining that it "pays tribute to Mr. Oscar Piastri for his exploits in Formula 1"And because the color of this amber specimen reminded the first author of McLaren's iconic orange."

After a species of fast-flowering tulip named after Max VerstappenA new driver on the grid is honored with a scientific title. A distinction that few personalities can boast.

Harrison Ford, the actor who portrayed Indiana Jones and Han Solo on screen, has lent his name to several species of snakes, spiders, and ants. Also in the world of cinema, a beetle and a frog owe their names to Leonardo DiCaprio.

Oscar Piastri will have the opportunity to share this new distinction with his colleagues and celebrities at the next Formula 1 Grand Prix on the calendar, in Monaco, from June 5 to 7, 2026.

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