The Australian is coming off a crushing world-title defeat in Abu Dhabi, where he went all in with an alternative strategy, only for the final outcome to remain unchanged. He ended the championship behind Max Verstappen, who produced a remarkable comeback and fell just two points short of a fifth consecutive title.

Piastri had led the championship for much of the season, taking over at the top in Saudi Arabia and only relinquishing it in Mexico, capping off one of the longest runs ever with 15 Grands Prix spent in the lead.

Ironically, that very streak turned into a boomerang, as it saw him become the driver who has led the championship for the most Grands Prix without ever winning the title in the entire history of the sport.

Over the past few days, the fourth Test of one of international cricket’s fiercest rivalries has been underway, with England and Australia going head to head.

The match was staged at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne — Piastri’s hometown — and the Australian driver took the opportunity to attend, also speaking to the media during the action.