Oscar Piastri set for disappointment as McLaren not expected to be Australian GP ‘favourites’

Follow us on Google Discover

It might not be a pleasant homecoming for Oscar Piastri next weekend as McLaren aren’t considered favourites to win the Australian GP.

McLaren got off to a brilliant start to the 2025 season at the Australian Grand Prix, as Lando Norris bagged pole position to kick off what would be his championship campaign.

Oscar Piastri had a wonderful homecoming in his own right, grabbing second place to complete a McLaren one-two.

Did Oscar Piastri just end the debate over McLaren’s papaya rules?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Coming into the 2026 season, Piastri will be hoping to go one better than the previous year and win the race in his home country.

However, unlike last year, Piastri might have to settle for a disappointing trip down under, as McLaren aren’t looking like strong favourites to win at Albert Park.

READ MORE: F1 fans choose who they think will win the 2026 title with Lando Norris receiving just 4% of votes

McLaren don’t look like heavy favourites ahead of 2026 Australia GP

Matt Clayton spoke on the Pit Talk podcast about McLaren’s performance in pre-season testing and how they look ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

He noted that while there wasn’t much cause for alarm, their run in testing wasn’t as impressive as in years past, which is why they’re not the favourites to win in Australia like they were coming into last season.

“There was nothing to raise too many alarms, but there was nothing that caught too many headlines either. I’m not sure if they’re sitting in that position of ascendancy that they were towards the end of last year and the year before that…”

“It feels to me like a nice platform for McLaren. Maybe unfortunately for Australian fans, I wouldn’t say they’re going to be at their weakest for the season at Albert Park, because obviously, there’s a lot to play at.”

“But I don’t think they come in with that expectation that we had last year, where you would have been shocked, quite frankly, if it wasn’t a McLaren that won in Albert Park in 2025.”

“I’m not sure we’re going into next weekend with that same feeling, but they’re going to be in the conversation.”

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri’s name could have an asterisk next to it if he wins the 2026 world title

What do you make of Oscar Piastri’s management reshuffle?

His former engineer Pedro Matos will focus on racing

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Oscar Piastri will be eager to get first Australia GP win despite conditions

Longtime F1 fans know that testing is far from an accurate indicator of success in the first race of the season. However, there is some concern that McLaren have fallen behind other teams in the paddock.

McLaren reportedly expect a bump during the Australian GP, having not used the latest Mercedes spec engine in Bahrain.

For Oscar Piastri, this will be great news, as he will be eager to get his first win in his home country after settling for second last year.

Piastri has shown that he is ready to compete for the F1 title next season. And the perfect way to get started on that is by winning the Australian GP and setting the tone for 2026.