18/08/2025 20:00
Oscar Piastri is to have a grandstand named after him at the
Australian Grand Prix in 2026, where he may be kicking off his F1
drivers' championship defence. The driver from Melbourne will
follow in the footsteps of some of the country's most successful
and best-loved motorsport talent, including Jack Brabham, Alan
Jones and Daniel Ricciardo. The grandstand will be situated on the
main straight, opposite the pit lane and will hold the seats
closest to the start line. "I'm very excited by the news that I'll
have my own grandstand at next year's Australian Grand Prix," the
McLaren driver shared. "It feels very surreal, and I never thought
this would happen, but the support is incredible, and I can't wait
to see it all come together next March. "Seeing all the fans in my
own grandstand directly opposite the McLaren garage is going to be
an amazing experience, and I'm really looking forward to feeling
the energy and the atmosphere." "Thanks to everyone who has made
this happen, and thanks in advance to everyone who wants to be part
of it. "The Australian fans always turn out to support me, and this
is just an extra reason why I can't wait to race in Melbourne in
2026." Celebrating a local star Mark Webber, Piastri's manager,
also had a grandstand named after him during his career in F1,
which ran between 2002 and 2013. "It's magnificent news for the
event and for Oscar," said the former Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and
Red Bull driver. "It's a reflection of his results so far,
incredibly early in his career, that he's managed to have the
amount of podiums and victories that he's had. "Clearly he is very
comfortable at the elite level, and making his presence felt, which
is brilliant, and representing Australia in the way that the
country likes to be represented. "I think it will all sink in when
the event is underway and the people in the grandstand can be
opposite Oscar's pit box. It will be an added bonus for the fans
and Oscar alike." Tickets for next year's Australian Grand Prix,
which will be between 5-8 March 2026, will go on sale 10 September
2025, with an American Express card member pre-sale the week
before. A range of pricing options will be available - for both the
event at large and the Piastri Grandstand - starting from $45 for
adults. Steve Dimopolous, Australia's minister for tourism, sport
and major events, added: "The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is a
celebration of Melbourne's best – our world-class hospitality, our
food and drink, our unmatched passion for sport – so it's fitting
this grandstand recognises the achievements of one of our most
successful local motorsport legends. "Whether you want to be one of
the first fans to experience the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
from the Piastri Grandstand, or are simply looking to lock in your
annual Park Pass, get ready because these tickets will be hot."
