Oscar Piastri returns to Melbourne with one thing on his mind, winning the Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri returns to his hometown this weekend, set on becoming the first Aussie since 1980 to win a Grand Prix in Melbourne.

A timely slice of Aussie life – including a generous helping of chicken parmigiana and chocolate milk – has whet Oscar Piastri’s appetite to make history on home soil.

Piastri this week returns to his hometown with high hopes of becoming the first Aussie of the modern era to win a Grand Prix in Melbourne.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, he said the green and gold in his veins would be a driving force as he tried to shatter a 45 year Aussie sporting hoodoo at Albert Park this weekend.

“It’s really special to have a home race and for me not just in Australia but in my home town as well,’’ he said.

“It’s really special and the event really gets behind me, which is nice, as well as the fans.

“I know I’m biased but I feel that it is genuinely one of the best events if not the best event of the year and that is not just because most of the fans are cheering for me.

“That is because it’s an amazing atmosphere regardless of who your favourite driver is.’’

Oscar Piastri left Australia to chase his F1 dream in Europe aged 16. Picture: Supplied

In a wide-ranging interview, 23-year-old Piastri opened up on his thoughts about the popular post racetrack walk returning to Albert Park, the prospect of a Melbourne night race and his goals for his third season in F1.

And he spoke of his hunger to do what Aussie F1 stars Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber failed to do before him — win the Australian GP.

“Melbourne is always tricky because we don’t know what everyone has got, especially as it’s the first race of the season this year,’’ he said.

“You can get some idea from (pre-season) testing but you’re not truly going to know until qualifying in Melbourne.

“It’s going to be difficult to predict but I want to make sure that I’m in the position and the team is in the position to do that.

“So let’s see.’’

Piastri is now back in Melbourne ahead of the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix 2025. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

The last time Australia had a home Grand Prix hero was 1980, when Alan Jones was first past the chequered flag at Calder park raceway.

But that race was not officially part of the F1 championship Jones would go on to win that year.

So Piastri will enter rare air if he does get to step onto the to step of the podium at Albert Park.

And the enormity of that feat is not lost on the former Oakleigh Go Kart Racing Club member who got his first taste of motorsport racing radio controlled cars.

“For me, I try and treat it like another race,’’ he said.

“Obviously the home support is very special and a nice boost.

“But you don’t get any extra points for winning your home race.

“And for me, Melbourne being the first round doesn’t change that mentality.

“But it will be nice to have the home crowd, as the opener.’’

Piastri and Lando Norris during F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena in London, England. Picture: Sam Bloxham

Piastri of Australia and McLaren on day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit. Picture: Clive Rose

Having left Australia to chase his F1 dream in Europe aged just 16, Piastri took an extended break in his homeland this summer, attending the Australian Open, Boxing Day Test, holidaying in Queensland and visiting Sydney.

He said the off season break had allowed him to fall in love with his homeland all over again.

“I spent a decent amount of time in Melbourne but I also wandered around a little bit, I went up to Queensland and spent a few days in Sydney as well,’’ he said.

“Because I’d never been. I’d been to Sydney airport but not been to Sydney itself.

“It was a really nice trip home.

“It was probably one of the longest stints I’ve had since I left in 2016.

“So it was really nice to be back and see everybody, spend some quality time with them and some time in the sun as well.

“That was an added bonus.’’

Piastri of Australia driving the McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit. Picture: Mark Thompson

He also revealed his two guilty pleasures of the summer.

“Every off season I always have on my to do list at least one Big M and one chicken parma,’’ he said.

“I managed to tick both of those off so I’m very happy.

“I’ve got a new trainer for this year and I introduced him to some of the Aussie classics as well.

“It was a fun off season.’’

Despite his dabble in Aussie pub fare and flavoured milk, Piastri declared he was “in good shape” in body and mind as he hunted home glory and world championship success.

He said the return of fans to the track post race – — after being banned due to safety concerns last year — was “ultimately … a very cool thing.’

Piastri returns to the garage during the qualifying session of the Qatari Formula One Grand Prix. Picture: Darko Bandic

“I think if it’s done safely and respectfully then it’s a really cool addition,’’ he said.

And he said Melbourne race chiefs should resist pressure to turn the AusGP into a night race.

“I think it’s good where it is,’’ he said.

“Maybe it (a night race) would work a bit better on TV for Europe.

“But I feel like Australia gets its fair share of difficult wake ups.

“For me, I’m happy with where it is and I think it’s important to keep the races in the day as well because some of those night races are pretty taxing on the whole team.

“Your body clock gets all out of whack.

“So I’m happy with how it is.’’

Originally published as Oscar Piastri returns to Melbourne with one thing on his mind, winning the Grand Prix