Excitement is building as Melbourne’s Oscar Piastri gears up for the 2024 Formula One Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 21-24 at Albert Park.
The 22-year-old McLaren driver, fresh off an impressive rookie season, is eager to perform on his home turf alongside fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo, marking the first time in over a decade that two Australians will be on the grid.
Reflecting on his debut at Albert Park last year, where he clinched his first-ever F1 points, Piastri expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming race. “It was a pretty crazy race last year but to score my first-ever F1 points in front of a home crowd will stay with me for a long time,” Piastri stated.
“It is such a special event for me. Not only is it my home country but to have grown up so close to the track and coming back to my hometown is awesome.” The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park has always drawn massive crowds, creating a festival-like atmosphere that Piastri finds invigorating.
“Even on a Thursday, there are so many people on the grounds and getting involved that it has a festival feel,” he remarked.“As drivers, we do feel that. We aren’t able to get out to every part of the circuit but that passion is felt and makes a huge difference.”
Daniel Ricciardo will join Piastri on the grid, representing the newly named Visa Cash App RB team. Ricciardo’s return to Albert Park follows a challenging period at McLaren and a mid-season comeback last year, marred by a wrist injury. Despite setbacks, Ricciardo remains a formidable contender and is poised to impress this season.
Off the track, all eyes are on reigning champion Max Verstappen, who has dominated the first two races of the 2024 season.
However, the season promises excitement with Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari for 2025, marking a significant shift in the F1 landscape. As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, anticipation is high for an electrifying race weekend, with Piastri and Ricciardo leading the charge for local fans.
