'Big old week' - Oscar Piastri returns to Melbourne for Australian Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri has celebrated his 21st birthday with a tour of Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri returns to Melbourne. (Alpine)
The Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver made the lap of his home town on his birthday before his official duties begin at Albert Park.
"It’s going to be a big old week, that’s for sure!" said Piastri.
"Obviously, this is the first time back for the Australian Grand Prix in the last couple of years."
"It’s going to be a massive crowd and a big event, which I’m looking forward to."
"Being able to see my family on top of everything else going on; it’s very special for me."
Piastri began his birthday with a trip to the Brighton Bathing Boxes before a tour of the MCG and a karting session at Todd Road, the venue where he began his racing career.
The Australian said he has worked with the team in the simulator to prepare for the new track layout.
"I don’t know how much quicker the lap times will be but I’ve driven the circuit on the simulator and it’s significantly quicker."
"The back section where they’ve removed the chicane, it’s now basically a massive straight leading into the right hander."
"There could be some interesting overtaking moves into there and cars side by side at very high speeds."
The Australian Grand Prix gets underway with support series sessions on Thursday before the first Formula 1 practice session on Friday.
