Australian Grand Prix chief says ‘wishful thinking’ for McLaren star Oscar Piastri success in race

The boss of the Australian Grand Prix says it’s wishful thinking.

But that’s not stopping Andrew Westacott dreaming of Oscar Piastri pulling a proverbial rabbit out of the hat in Melbourne.

Westacott, the chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, reckons the 21-year-old Piastri’s appearance at the grand prix in his home city has boosted ticket sales by about 10 per cent.

But Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris have struggled to make inroads in the opening two races leading into the Australian leg.

‘You would want to hope that McLaren get some luck on their side,’ Westacott told AAP.

Andrew Westacott, the chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, reckons the 21-year-old Piastri’s appearance at the grand prix in his home city has boosted ticket sales by about 10 per cent

Westacott (pictured) is dreaming of Piastri pulling a proverbial rabbit out of the hat in Melbourne

‘Because no one wants to see Oscar and Lando finishing 17th or 18th or something, I mean let’s push for top 10 and push for top five – that is just wishful thinking at the moment.’

Melbourne-born Piastri, in his debut F1 season, finished last (20th) and 15th in the initial two races, while Norris placed 17th twice in races in which Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have logged one-two finishes with one win apiece.

But with West Australian Daniel Ricciardo not in a driver’s seat this season, Westacott said Piastri’s appearance was a boost for the Melbourne event.

‘I am really, really pleased to have Oscar here because I have got to know him over the past few years and he’s just a lovely young guy and I am just so pleased for himself and his family,’ Westacott said.

‘He is just a relaxed and humble 21-year-old.

‘Through the years of Mark Webber and then Daniel Ricciardo, in a normal year you could add 10 per cent to your tickets sold because people want to come along and see an Aussie race.

‘The percentages might be a bit skewed this year because of the broader popularity of F1 but there’s no doubt an Aussie racer factor gives everything a boost.’

Charles Leclerc, who took the victory in Australia last year, was very popular with fans

Supercars and Porsche Carrera Cup take to the Albert Park track on Thursday before F1 practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s grand prix.

Westacott forecasts about 130,000 spectators to attend on Saturday and Sunday in what will be his final event before stepping down from the CEO job.

‘I am not focusing on the fact it will be my last,’ he said.

‘I have got a job to do. It’s no different to an athlete having their last game or race … just focusing on the task at hand.

‘The source of pride is we have been able to perform over the years and the event has got better … it’s very satisfying.’

Meanwhile, Formula 1’s star drivers have been swamped by photographers and fans as they arrived at the track at Albert Park on Thursday morning.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who’s 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 an enormous cutout of his head to sign on Thursday morning

Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Scuderia AlphaTauri looked very laidback in a pair of sunglasses

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon, who was driving around a Supercar on the track earlier in the week, posed for photos at Albert Park

Aussie Oscar Piastri was on brand for McLaren as he arrived at the paddock

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was hard to miss as he arrived 

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen of Denmark looked all business

Pierre Gasly took time out to sign some hats as he prepares to race down under

Alpha Tauri’s Nyck de Vries was a huge hit with fans

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who’s had a disappointing start to the season, was all smiles as he stopped for selfies and signatures.

He isn’t tipped to  challenge for podiums this season, but the likeable Brit seems determined to do his best.

The cars will take to the track when the first practice session runs from 12.30pm to 1.30pm (AEDT) on Friday. That’s followed by second practice from 4pm to 5pm.

Saturday’s F1 action kicks off with the third practice session from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, with qualifying beginning at 4pm and winding up at 5pm.

The race itself begins at 3pm on Sunday.