Oscar Piastri reveals his Formula 1 preparation is both physical and mental

On the eve of the Australian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri lifts the lid on the surprising ways he prepares for the attention and tension of the race track.

Oscar Piastri knows what it’s like to feel pressure.

Its not just driving the fastest cars in the world and a rapid rise up the Formula One ranks the 22-year-old McLaren driver has to contend with.

It’s the attention – and expectation- of his home crowd at the Melbourne Grand Prix that begins at Albert Park on Friday, Piastri said the mental preparation was just as important as the physical work, both in the off season and on the grid.

“The mental side of things, especially for my home race, trying to relax, chill out and be refreshed for the race is very important,” Piastri said.

McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri during a shoot for Australian Optimum Nutrition also with Chef Amy Lee and PT and Optimum Nutrition Ambassador Nick Cheadie. Picture: Andrew Tauber

That meant trying to drown out the “noise” that comes with being a high profile athlete performing in a high stakes event.

“I just try to think about what I need to do really, I think this year compared to my first home Grand Prix – I’ve done a lot more in Formula One now -and established myself a bit more so, the pressure on that sense is less.

Piastri said both physical and mental preparation are important ahead of racing. Picture: Getty

“But of course I want to put on a good show – I always try and use the support to my benefit … But all the attention and stuff like that is not going to make me drive quicker. So I just tried to focus on driving.”

The physical preparation is also important – and this week he showed his baking flair filming a video with Optimum Nutrition ambassador Amy Lee as they shared their creations he said helps him pre and post race.

Piastri said it was a privilege to have a home race.

“For me being from Melbourne and 10 minutes from Albert Park. It’s the closest home race anyone is going to have so it’s definitely a great thing. The crowd expects a lot of you and they want you to do well,” he said.

But when he “put the helmet on and sat in the car” he is totally focused on what is about to unfold – at huge speeds.

“Having a clear mind being able to not overthink things, whether it’s distractions or just literally the next corner you coming up to is crucial.”

Originally published as Oscar Piastri reveals his Formula 1 preparation is both physical and mental