Australian Grand Prix chief says ‘wishful thinking’ for McLaren star Oscar Piastri success in race
Australian Grand Prix boss says it’s wishful thinking.
But that doesn’t stop Andrew Westacott from dreaming of Oscar Piastri pulling a rabbit out of his hat in Melbourne.
Westacott, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, reckons the 21-year-old Piastri’s appearance at his hometown grand prix has boosted ticket sales by 10 percent.
But Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris have struggled to make progress in the first two races leading up to the Australian leg.
“You would want to hope that McLaren has some luck on their side,” Westacott told AAP.
Andrew Westacott, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, reckons the 21-year-old Piastri’s appearance at his hometown grand prix has boosted ticket sales by 10 per cent.
Westacott (pictured) dreams of Piastri pulling a rabbit out of his hat in Melbourne
“Because nobody wants to see Oscar and Lando finish 17 or 18 or something, I mean, let’s push for top 10 and push for top five, that’s just wishful thinking right now.”
The Melbourne-born Piastri, in his first F1 season, finished last (20th) and 15th in the opening two races, while Norris placed 17th twice in races involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. they achieved two finals with a win each. .
But with Western Australian Daniel Ricciardo out of the driving seat this season, Westacott said Piastri’s appearance was a boost for the Melbourne event.
“I’m very, very happy to have Oscar here because I’ve known him for the last few years and he’s a lovely young man and I’m very happy for him and his family,” Westacott said.
“He’s just a laid-back, humble 21-year-old.
“Through the Mark Webber years and then Daniel Ricciardo, in a normal year you might add 10 per cent to your ticket sales because people want to come and see an Australian race.
“The percentages may be a bit skewed this year due to the increased popularity of F1, but there is no doubt that an Australian driver factor gives a boost to everything.”
Charles Leclerc, who took victory in Australia last year, was very popular with the fans.
Supercars and Porsche Carrera Cup take to the Albert Park track on Thursday ahead of F1 practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the grand prix on Sunday.
Westacott forecasts about 130,000 spectators to attend on Saturday and Sunday for what will be his last event before stepping down as chief executive.
“I’m not focusing on the fact that it will be the last,” he said.
I have a job to do. It’s no different than an athlete having their last game or race…just focusing on the task at hand.
“The source of pride is that we’ve been able to perform over the years and the event has gotten better…it’s very satisfying.”
Meanwhile, Formula 1’s star drivers have been inundated with photographers and fans as they hit the track at Albert Park on Thursday morning.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had a disappointing start to the season, was all smiles as he stopped for selfies and signatures.
Alfa Romeo fans greeted their driver Valtteri Bottas with a massive cutout of his head to sign on Thursday morning.
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Scuderia AlphaTauri looked very relaxed in a pair of sunglasses.
Alpine racer Esteban Ocon, who was driving a Supercar on the track earlier in the week, posed for photos in Albert Park.
Australian Oscar Piastri was in the McLaren brand when he arrived at the paddock
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was hard to miss when he arrived
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen of Denmark looked like all business
Pierre Gasly took some time to sign some hats as he prepares to run below
Alpha Tauri’s Nyck de Vries was a huge hit with the fans
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had a disappointing start to the season, was all smiles as he stopped for selfies and signatures.
He is not destined to fight for podiums this season, but the likeable Brit seems determined to give his best.
The cars will take to the track when the first practice session takes place from 12:30pm to 1:30pm (AEDT) on Friday. That is followed by the second practice from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Saturday’s F1 action begins with the third practice session from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, with qualifying starting at 4pm and finishing at 5pm.
The race itself starts at 3 pm on Sunday.