The species, found preserved in fossilised Burmese amber from northern Myanmar, has been officially named Gwesped piastrii in recognition of the Australian’s Formula 1 career.
The discovery comes from research published in the academic journal Palaeoworld, with scientists identifying the insect as dating back to the mid-Cretaceous period, around 98 million years ago.
The naming was directly linked to both Piastri’s achievements in F1 and the appearance of the fossil itself.
“The specific epithet honours Mr Oscar Piastri for his achievements in Formula 1, and because the colour of the amber piece recalled to the first author the iconic McLaren orange,” the article reads.
“It is to be treated as a noun in the genitive case.”
Researchers involved in the study also highlighted the scientific significance of the find, noting it helped refine understanding of evolutionary diversity within the wasp group.
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“The descriptions of Gwesped piastrii contribute to refining our understanding of the morphological diversity within the genus,” the paper added.
In a tongue-in-cheek social media post, Piastri made light of the honour with a typically nonplussed response.
“I’m famous, I’m part of biological history,” Piastri said at McLaren HQ ahead of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix next weekend.
“I’m so excited I might sting someone.”
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It’s been a big week for Piastri, who visited the Isle of Man TT during the break between the Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix.
The McLaren driver attended the iconic road racing event at the Snaefell Mountain Course alongside his manager Mark Webber, watching qualifying from a resident’s garden at Bray Hill, one of the most famous viewing points on the 37.73-mile (60.72km) circuit.
The experience clearly left an impression on the Australian, who documented the visit on social media.
“We are at someone’s house, going through someone’s garden,” Piastri said in a clip.
“Apparently, this is the spot to watch.
“I don’t know what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it.”
He later summed up the spectacle after watching bikes pass at extreme speed just metres away.
“These guys are nuts.”
Piastri also reflected further on the experience in a post accompanying images from the event, writing: “First TT experience. Won’t be the last.”
The 25-year-old currently sits sixth in the F1 drivers’ championship on 48 points.
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