Daniel Ricciardo & Oscar Piastri Recall Emotional Race as They Break 10-Year-Old Record at the Australian GP

After a ten-year hiatus, the Australian Grand Prix welcomes two Australian drivers back to its grid. Melbourne’s Oscar Piastri and Perth native Daniel Ricciardo are poised for their home race this weekend. However, a pertinent query arises: has an Australian ever tasted victory at their home Grand Prix? Remarkably, since its inception in 1996, no Aussie has clinched the top spot.

Nevertheless, local fans have renewed hope with Papaya driver and Honey Badger in contention. This presents a prime opportunity for these talented drivers to rewrite history and break the decade-old record of Australian drought at their home Grand Prix. The anticipation is palpable as the nation eagerly awaits the thrilling showdown at Melbourne, Albert Park Circuit.

Will home heroes Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri rewrite history at the Australian GP?

In a Twitter post by Motorsports, a long-awaited sight unfolds with two Australians partaking in an interview before the Australian Grand Prix, marking the first such occurrence since 2013. Now, the 34-year-old Ricciardo finds himself alongside Oscar Piastri, who Mark Webber coincidentally manages. In a twist of fate, the 2013 event saw Webber secure points for Red Bull in what turned out to be his final home race. Meanwhile, Ricciardo, ironically racing for the Faenza-based team, Toro Rosso, faced an exhaust failure and failed to finish. Records show no Aussie has finished on the podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

Despite the 34-year-old driver’s breakout debut for Red Bull Racing in 2014, following Webber’s retirement, a fuel regulation breach dashed hopes again prolonging the wait for Australian success. However, since then, the fourth position has remained Honey Badger’s best home result, despite his absence from last year’s Grand Prix due to his split with McLaren. Conversely, the 22-year-old driver, stepping into Ricciardo’s former McLaren seat, secured points in his debut home race, finishing 8th. The spotlight shifts to Piastri as the potential for the first Aussie podium on home soil looms tantalizingly close, presenting a different challenge for the rising star.

Whatever the outcomes for the 22-year-old driver and the Honey Badger, the Australian Grand Prix promises a celebration of Aussie motorsport royalty. Mick Doohan, a five-time 500cc world champion, will grace the 5.3km Albert Park circuit alongside his son Jack. Jack, representing Alpine as a reserve driver, will join his legendary father for a series of demonstration laps, adding a touch of familial and historical significance to the event. Conversely, aside from the podium prospects, there’s another intriguing storyline brewing—the speculation surrounding the friendly relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Is there a friendly relationship between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris?

In the current season, Oscar Piastri, the youngest driver on the grid, is closely followed by 24-year-old teammate Lando Norris. Despite their friendly demeanor off-track, occasional clashes on the circuit complicate their relationship. The 22-year-old driver’s recent appearance on the F1: Beyond the Grid podcast offered insight into their dynamic, with a particular question unveiling nuances in the relationship between Norris and his teammate.

When asked about his relationship with Lando Norris, Piastri affirmed, “Yeah, I would say so. We certainly work well together, you know? I think we’re always pushing each other to be quicker and quicker, which is what you want as teammates.” He added, “So I think we work together really well.” These remarks underscore the harmonious collaboration between the teammates, both on and off the track, fostering an ideal partnership dynamic.

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Could Oscar Piastri break the 13-year record and secure a podium finish in his hometown?