McLaren star Oscar Piastri mobbed in the Melbourne CBD ahead of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix 2026
Fair or not, anything missing from contention on Sunday will feel like a missed opportunity. He slid onto the grass at Albert Park last year in heartbreaking scenes as he battled for the lead with his teammate, eventual drivers’ champion Lando Norris.
But his focus is on this weekend’s season opener and how he will tame the 2026 car.
Piastri, like many other stars on the F1 grid, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen, is still wary of the new cars, given the multitude of rule changes they are subject to.
“I hope to be in pole position on Sunday,” Piastri said.
A scene from the Jackalope Hotel on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula.
“I think the biggest change is in the engines, the power units. They’re incredibly different from what we’ve had in F1 really, but certainly in the last 10 years.”
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“I think everyone is slowly starting to wrap their heads around that. This weekend is probably going to look a little bit different for the fans compared to last year, but that’s probably the biggest thing.” [the engine].
“This affects everything; how you set up the car, how you drive the car, how you manage the battery, [and] How do you start a race? So the start will probably be pretty exciting.”
The 2026 cars represent one of the most significant technical overhauls in Formula One history, with smaller, lighter chassis, radically revised aerodynamics and an almost 50/50 split between electric and combustion power under the new rules.
But everyone will be equally opposed to the new rules and the Melburnian has already proven he is one of the best drivers in the world.
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Beyond the noise of Albert Park this weekend, there’s a bigger prize on the horizon. If Piastri makes a genuine title claim, as he did last year by finishing third on the final day of the season, he would again be aiming to become the first Australian to win the world title since Alan Jones in 1980.
The only disappointment for Piastri? He will fly out of Melbourne no later than Monday or Tuesday, according to his team, meaning he will miss his beloved Tigers playing their opening game of the season against arch-rivals Carlton next Thursday night.
Piastri’s full interview with Felgate will be broadcast during his show on 3AW from 3pm on Wednesday.
