Australian GP: Oscar Piastri says McLaren not 'where we were' for 2026's first race but ready to play long game

3 March 2026, 12:07 | Updated: 3 March 2026, 19:52

McLaren's Oscar Piastri believes the pecking order at this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix will not absolutely determine who is ultimately successful in the first season of F1's new rules era.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has already said that Mercedes, the bookmakers' world championship favourites, and Ferrari are a "step ahead" of his team and Red Bull after pre-season testing in Bahrain.

McLaren are the defending two-time constructors' champions, while Piastri's team-mate Lando Norris is the reigning drivers' champion and won last year's season opener in Melbourne.

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