Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 star, not feeling any pressure ahead of Melbourne Grand Prix

What pressure? Oscar Piastri swears he won’t be feeling any extra burden when he gets behind the wheel on Sunday for his shot at ending Australia’s curse at the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Pressure? What pressure?

Oscar Piastri swears he won’t be feeling any extra burden when he gets behind the wheel on Sunday for his shot at ending Australia’s curse at the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Unflappable behind the wheel or the microphone, Piastri is smart enough to know that the tens of thousands of Aussie fans at Albert Park wearing orange-coloured McLaren caps and polo shirts are all cheering for him.

There’s not a rev head in the country who doesn’t want to see the Melbourne-born whiz kid win the Formula One season-opener - or at least finish on the podium - but rather than being weighed down by it all, Piastri is lapping it up.

McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri has handled the pressure well this week. Picture: AFP

“In terms of pressure, honestly, I said in the lead-up that I was using it as support and not pressure, and that’s genuinely been the case,” Piastri said.

“Of course, you want to start the season well and do well at home, those things are obvious, but I think I’ve done a good job of being strong and not letting that get in my head.

“I’m happy with how I’ve approached the weekend, how I’ve driven, and the support has been really special. The expectation is very minor compared to the support.”

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri takes second on the grid. Picture: David Caird

Just 23, Piastri would be excused for feeling a little anxious but he’s one cool customer who has a knack of keeping calm when the stakes rise.

Unlucky not to claim his first career pole position after qualifying second, pipped by 0.084 of a second by his older and more experienced McLaren team mate Lando Norris, Piastri will still start on the front row of the grid.

With showers forecast, that’s the perfect place to be in his bid to become the first Australian to finish on the podium at Albert Park and end the luckless run dating back over the last two decades.

“It would be very special,” Piastri said.

“To have an Aussie on the podium, it hasn’t been done in a while, so that would be a good start.

“If I can stand on the top step, I’ll do everything I can to achieve that. Putting national pride aside, I want to do it for myself as well. I’ll try my best, obviously.”

It really should have happened long before now, but none of his predecessors could cut a break in the high-octane world of Grand Prix racing.

Australia’s last two great F1 drivers, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, were both regulars on the podium, racking a combined tally of 74 top-three finishes during their careers.

But none of those were in Australia, although they had some close shaves.

McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have locked out the front row of the grid. Picture: Getty Images

Ricciardo actually made it to the podium in 2014 after qualifying second then completing the race as runner up, only to later be disqualified for a breach of the fuel regulations.

Webber twice started on the front row of the grid in Melbourne, in 2010 then again in 2013, but had no luck in either race so now the baton has been handed to Piastri.

He finished fourth at Albert Park 12 months ago, an impressive result in his second season in F1, but he’s already a much better driver now and in a McLaren car that’s much stronger.

“This is the most relaxed I’ve been at my home race,” said Piastri, who has already two two Grands Prix after qualifying second.

“The first two years, especially the first year I came here, it was an overwhelming experience.

“Even last year, it was still a pretty big experience. This year, I’ve been able to enjoy it more. Maybe because I’m more confident in the car under me, but I’ve really been enjoying it and enjoying the support.

“I feel like it’s gone up a little since last year as well. It’s amazing what happens when you start winning stuff. No, it’s great to have all the home support, and I really appreciate it.”

Originally published as Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 star, not feeling any pressure ahead of Melbourne Grand Prix