Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the McLaren driver says he will always race for the team – and the relationship is stronger than ever

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loser than ever to a driver title, or never again as close? Oscar Piastri will soon find out his foreseeable future in Formula One. But he says there’s one thing he won’t do: rebel against McLaren team orders.

The glitzy, globetrotting series is back and Melbourne offers a tantalising round of racing to start the season. Extensive changes to regulations have left each team grappling with new electric-boosted power units, and smaller, nimbler vehicles.

For Piastri, the changes come at an unfortunate time, given the dominance of the McLaren in recent years. He said on Thursday his team are no longer favourites, and he tipped Mercedes and Ferrari to lead early, with Red Bull not far behind, though his outfit will remain “in the mix” at the front, just “not right at the pointy end”.