Piastri relying on “good fortune” for a home podium miracle

Oscar Piastri is remaining realistic when it comes to his results this weekend, however, not ruling a possible breeze of “good fortune” swaying him ever-so closer to an elusive home podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

Piastri’s home race is as close to home as you can get in Albert Park, with the 22-year-old hailing from the seaside suburb of Brighton, just over 15 minutes away from the Australian Grand Prix circuit.

In addition to the close proximity to where he grew up, Melbourne will also hold a special place in his heart after he scored his first-ever points in Formula 1 last year, albeit in a chaotic fashion.

“I mean, that took some good fortune,” Piastri said.

“So I need some more for this year to get on the podium, I think!”

Piastri also has some unique childhood memories at this Grand Prix, holding the flag for Danill Kvyat as a Grid Kid back in 2015.

Arriving to the circuit this morning, Piastri had an extra pep in his step as he showed up sporting his beloved Richmond Tigers on the Melbourne Walk.

he has reason to be happy, however, with points well and truly on the cards for McLaren, following the #81 fourth-place finish in Saudi Arabia. 

Oscar Piastri signs autographs for fans as he takes to the Melbourne Walk at Albert Park. Image: Sam Bagnall / LAT Images.

His battle with Mercedes during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was prolonged by Lewis Hamilton’s Safety Car-adjusted pit stop strategy, looks set to continue here in Melbourne, according to Piastri. 

The Australian has dubbed McLaren securely in the fight to be the third-fastest team, trailing Red Bull and closing in on Ferrari and Mercedes.

“I think we were a step closer to being close to Ferrari, at least anyway in Saudi, but we’re still… We don’t quite have enough at the moment,” Piastri said.

“I think probably the fight is with Mercedes at the moment for us. 

“Hopefully we can start challenging a bit more later in the year, but for now, yeah I think as much as I don’t want to put people’s hopes down at home, I think yeah any more than sort of P5 is going to require some good fortune, yes.”

Piastri has some solid Australian idols to channel this weekend, recalling memories of Daniel Ricciardo’s – soon retracted – home podium as inspiration in his early days.

“I remember watching the race on TV,” Piastri said.

“I saw an Aussie on the podium and that’s all I remember from that day. 

“So yeah, pretty wild to be racing around the same track 10 years later with the same guy I was watching on TV. 

“It’s pretty cool.”

The home crowd, sporting the papaya colours and #81 on their backs, will be cheering on Piastri as he aims to make history of his own, with the MCL38 looking in much better stead than it was 12 months ago.

“Hopefully [Ricciardo and I] can both have a good weekend and make the home crowd proud.”

The local boy will take to the track for the first time tomorrow, with FP1 kicking off at 12:30 PM on Friday.

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