Driving in Formula 1 is the dream of millions, but only a few make it come true. But the ones who make it to the sport get only so many chances to prove themself. And the McLaren rookie, Oscar Piastri, is one of them. After a disappointing start to the season, his hopes and ambitions have taken a hit, thanks to the blasting performance of the MCL60 and his luck.

Coming in as the most anticipated rookie among the three, Piastri was supposed to change things for McLaren, but his team didn’t allow that to happen. However, from the looks of it, he has learned the reality of Formula One way too soon. He has accepted his fate and the reality as the car continues to sulk and the team’s goals have taken a hit with only two races into the season, with Aston Martin and Alpine giving them a run for their money.

Speaking at the Beyond the Grid podcast, Piastri, ahead of his home GP, said, “I want to be as high up on the grid as I can be, so I’m definitely not saying that I would prefer to be down the back or not fighting for points, but in some ways, it does take a split off a little bit.”

“Obviously, I think a lot of people have high expectations of McLaren and we have high expectations of ourselves to try and be fighting for points and for this year, try and get into the top four teams, which is now Aston Martin now part of that top four… But I think at the moment, I wouldn’t say I think the right way to put it is if there’s any time to, I guess, a little bit not where we want to be the first few races is probably the time to have it now.”

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Certainly, Oscar Piastri didn’t get the car he deserved, or at least thought he’d be getting. On the other hand, Alpine and Otmar Szafnauer must be pretty content with their own as well as McLaren’s performances.

Oscar Piastri on the Australian GP

Home Grand Prix is special for every driver, and this time it’s Oscar Piastri’s turn, who has replaced his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo to become the home favorite for this year’s Australian GP.

Expressing his excitement about the special weekend, Oscar Piastri, as quoted by Formula 1, said, “It’s great to be heading to Melbourne for my home Grand Prix. I grew up in the suburbs of the city and it is a special feeling to be returning as an F1 driver. It’s set to be a fantastic atmosphere and I can’t wait to get there and be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the home crowd and all of the papaya fans.”

“This will be the first time that I’ve raced at Albert Park and I’m sure it will be an experience that I remember. The weather is usually changeable here so it could be an interesting one.”

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With pressure mounting on both McLaren and the Aussie himself, there’d be no better time for them to start saving their season. The amends must be made before it’s too late and McLaren spirals back into the darkness of the 2010s.