Australia's Oscar Piastri says he can beat highly-rated teammate Lando Norris when the two go head-to-head at McLaren this season.
Piastri will make his Formula 1 debut in Bahrain in March after replacing fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
Norris is regarded as a potential world champion in the right car, but speaking to the ABC, Piastri says he's confident of matching his British teammate, despite the 21-year-old having spent last season on the sidelines as Alpine and McLaren fought for his services.
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"Yeah, I think so [I can beat him]," Piastri said.
"I think everyone has to have that self-belief that they can win, or if they're not in a position to win to do the best that they can with what they have.
"There's definitely a steep learning curve ahead of me, into my first year, and obviously Lando's into his fifth year now, but first and foremost for me it's going to be getting back up to speed with no racing for over a year now and we'll see what that holds.
"For me, a successful year would be me setting the foundations for later in the year and the years to come, hopefully, and doing everything the right way from the beginning, laying the foundations, starting good habits.
"If there's any results that come out of that, then that's a bonus."
Piastri arrives in Formula 1 having won three consecutive championships, emulating George Russell and Charles Leclerc in claiming the F3 and F2 titles as a rookie.
But Piastri isn't getting carried away by his success to date.
"Everyone in F1 is here because we've had a very successful junior career … that's my credentials to sort of get into the sport, and now I have to make my claim to stay there," he said.
"It's always nice to have those championships [under] your belt and hopefully it translates to success in F1 too."
Piastri has actually never raced a car in Australia, having moved overseas as a teenager to race in Europe while he was still in karts.
It's why April's Australian Grand Prix will be particularly special.
"It's a really exciting race for me, it's a home race, my first home race. I grew up 10-15 minutes down the road from Albert Park," he said.
"It's my first race in Australia out of go-karts, it's been a long time since I raced at home. I can't wait for it.
"I was there last year as a reserve driver and it was a pretty electric atmosphere. So knowing that the crowd is going to be there, with me as the home driver now. It's going to be a very special event."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Australia's Oscar Piastri says he can beat highly-rated teammate Lando Norris when the two go head-to-head at McLaren this season.
Piastri will make his Formula 1 debut in Bahrain in March after replacing fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
Norris is regarded as a potential world champion in the right car, but speaking to the ABC, Piastri says he's confident of matching his British teammate, despite the 21-year-old having spent last season on the sidelines as Alpine and McLaren fought for his services.
PLAYER RATINGS: 'Shambolic': Australia sinks to record low
READ MORE: Aussies blasted after 'astonishing' capitulation
THE MOLE: 'Clueless' Dragons left with 'massive headache'
"Yeah, I think so [I can beat him]," Piastri said.
"I think everyone has to have that self-belief that they can win, or if they're not in a position to win to do the best that they can with what they have.
"There's definitely a steep learning curve ahead of me, into my first year, and obviously Lando's into his fifth year now, but first and foremost for me it's going to be getting back up to speed with no racing for over a year now and we'll see what that holds.
"For me, a successful year would be me setting the foundations for later in the year and the years to come, hopefully, and doing everything the right way from the beginning, laying the foundations, starting good habits.
"If there's any results that come out of that, then that's a bonus."
Piastri arrives in Formula 1 having won three consecutive championships, emulating George Russell and Charles Leclerc in claiming the F3 and F2 titles as a rookie.
But Piastri isn't getting carried away by his success to date.
"Everyone in F1 is here because we've had a very successful junior career … that's my credentials to sort of get into the sport, and now I have to make my claim to stay there," he said.
"It's always nice to have those championships [under] your belt and hopefully it translates to success in F1 too."
Piastri has actually never raced a car in Australia, having moved overseas as a teenager to race in Europe while he was still in karts.
It's why April's Australian Grand Prix will be particularly special.
"It's a really exciting race for me, it's a home race, my first home race. I grew up 10-15 minutes down the road from Albert Park," he said.
"It's my first race in Australia out of go-karts, it's been a long time since I raced at home. I can't wait for it.
"I was there last year as a reserve driver and it was a pretty electric atmosphere. So knowing that the crowd is going to be there, with me as the home driver now. It's going to be a very special event."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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