After watching him make his dazzling meteoric rise to Formula One stardom from the screens, the extended family and supporters of Oscar Piastri get the chance to be trackside this weekend.
Piastri, whose proud grandparents reside in Shepparton, will battle it out for McLaren in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.
The 21-year-old wiz is preparing for his first crack around his home town circuit at Albert Park since he captured the racing world by storm with three-straight championship winning seasons.
Piastri has transformed into one of the brightest emerging drivers on the grid and Australia’s next star talent.
In his maiden Formula One campaign, it has been a tricky start to life behind the wheel of his MC61.
The Melbourne-born racer was forced to retire early in his debut race in Bahrain, which was followed by an unlucky 15th in Saudi Arabia — thanks to some damage on lap one of the race.
Piastri qualified in eighth spot for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and with his staunch and loyal supporter base set to be in the stands this weekend, expect a strong showing from the wonderkid.
Speaking to Formula One, Piastri said he was excited about the chance to race on the streets of his home city.
“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,” Piastri said.
“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.”
He might not have grown up in the Goulburn Valley, but expect a large contingent of supporters to cheer on the gun rookie come Sunday’s race.