Piastri responds to 'Australian pressure' following Ricciardo F1 exit

Oscar Piastri has expressed his sadness at Daniel Ricciardo's recent exit from F1 which has left him firmly standing in Australia's spotlight.

Ricciardo bowed out of F1 after the Singapore Grand Prix as RB decided to swing the axe to give New Zealander Liam Lawson an opportunity, potentially for an immediate step up to Red Bull for next season should the plug also be pulled on Sergio Perez.

Melbourne-born Piastri is now Australia's sole representative in F1, although he will have company again next year when Jack Doohan drives for Alpine.

Asked if he was feeling any extra pressure as the only Australian on the grid, McLaren driver Piastri said: "I wouldn't say too much extra pressure, no.

"It's sad that Daniel's not still on the grid. He was an amazing guy, someone I looked up to watching F1. It is sad to see him go.

"Of course, it gives Liam a great opportunity to show what he's capable of again in F1. Unfortunately, for better or worse, that's the nature of the sport.

"So I don't think it adds too much pressure. I've got someone from 'next door' to Australia to replace him. I get on well with Liam, I've raced him in the past, but It's always nice when you've got fellow countrymen on the grid."

With Piastri an Aussie, and Lawson a Kiwi, it represents the opportunity for a rivalry to develop.

Piastri, however, feels such a situation would represent an issue. "I kind of hope not," remarked Piastri.

"With the differences in car performance, if we're rivals on track then something's either going really well for one of us or really badly for the other.

"You know, he's been a strong competitor in junior racing together, so we'll see what he's capable of."