Rising Formula One star Oscar Piastri doesn’t fancy his chances of finishing on the podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

After finishing eighth in his first outing at Albert Park last year, the McLaren driver returns for another crack at his home town race better equipped than 12 months ago.

Although more wise and experienced 12 months on, Piastri insists that does not mean it will translate into a better result.

Powerhouses Red Bull and Ferrari set a hot early pace in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Piastri conceded McLaren were likely in a “fight for third”.

“I think we were a step closer to being close to Ferrari in Saudi but we still don’t quite have enough at the moment,” he said.

“I think probably the fight is with Mercedes at the moment for us.

“Hopefully we can start challenging a bit more later in the year.

“As much as I don’t want to put people’s hopes down at home, anymore than sort of P5 is going to require some good fortune.”

Albert Park has been a graveyard for Australian drivers with Mark Webber - Piastri’s mentor - and Daniel Ricciardo having never placed better than fourth at the circuit during their long careers.

Ricciardo famously finished the 2014 race second, but was stripped of the podium after being disqualified.

The Western Australian, who is back on the grid this weekend with RB after watching last year’s race from the paddock, has been forced to retire three times and finished fourth on two other occasions in the 10 years since.

“We found some inconsistencies across cars,” Ricciardo said.

“Ahead of this weekend I think everything’s been addressed.

“I was back in the sim as well after Saudi before heading home.

“I feel like we’ve done everything we can to come here with our best shot.”

Practice will get underway at Albert Park on Friday, with qualifying on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s race.