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2024Oscar PiastriMcLaren

IN DEPTH: ‘More people will know who I am this time!’ – Oscar Piastri opens up ahead of his sophomore home race

Special ContributorPhillip Horton
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri signs autographs for fans at the Albert Park CircuitMcLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri signs autographs for fans at the Albert Park Circuit ahead of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 21, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)

Oscar Piastri was little known to Australians when he scored his maiden Formula 1 points in Melbourne in 2023. Piastri arrives back on home soil as a multiple podium finisher in Formula 1 and with his place on the grid assured for the next few seasons.

Piastri is expecting to be a little more noticeable at Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

“I think a few more people will probably know who I am this time around!” quips Piastri. “Which is cool. I’m looking forward to it.”

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Piastri’s comments, looking ahead to his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, were only slightly tongue-in-cheek.

When Piastri arrived at Albert Park 12 months ago, he had a prolific junior CV, prompting the famous tug-of-war between Alpine and McLaren, but had only two Formula 1 starts under his belt.

McLaren’s lack of competitiveness at the start of 2023 meant Piastri flew under the radar through most of the weekend at Albert Park. Piastri dropped out of qualifying in Q1, and was a low-key ninth in a chaotic Grand Prix, which later became eighth due to a penalty elsewhere. By the benchmark of McLaren’s early-season form, that was a strong outcome.

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