Piastri concedes McLaren in 'fight for third' at GP

Rising Formula One star Oscar Piastri doesn't fancy his chances of finishing on the podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

After finishing eighth in his first outing at Albert Park last year, the McLaren driver returns for another crack at his home town race better equipped than 12 months ago.

Although more wise and experienced 12 months on, Piastri insists that does not mean it will translate into a better result.

Powerhouses Red Bull and Ferrari set a hot early pace in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Piastri conceded McLaren were likely in a "fight for third".

"I think we were a step closer to being close to Ferrari in Saudi but we still don't quite have enough at the moment," he 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.

"As much as I don't want to put people's hopes down at home, anymore than sort of P5 is going to require some good fortune."

Albert Park has been a graveyard for Australian drivers with Mark Webber - Piastri's mentor - and Daniel Ricciardo having never placed better than fourth at the circuit during their long careers.

Ricciardo famously finished the 2014 race second, but was stripped of the podium after being disqualified.

The Western Australian, who is back on the grid this weekend with RB after watching last year's race from the paddock, has been forced to retire three times and finished fourth on two other occasions in the 10 years since.

“We found some inconsistencies across cars,” Ricciardo said.

"Ahead of this weekend I think everything’s been addressed. 

"I was back in the sim as well after Saudi before heading home.

“I feel like we’ve done everything we can to come here with our best shot."

Practice will get underway at Albert Park on Friday, with qualifying on Saturday, ahead of Sunday's race.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store