Oscar Piastri demonstrated his prowess at the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, forcing Max Verstappen to take evasive action. As a result of a time penalty, the McLaren driver solidly drove to his third victory of the season. The Australian claims to feel better than ever, but is not obsessed with the fact that he is leading the drivers’ championship for the first time in his fledgling Formula 1 career.
In the qualifying round at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Oscar Piastri had to concede to Max Verstappen, but at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Piastri was the main man. The start of the night race had a significant impact on the rest of the race. Piastri got off to a lightning-fast start and was alongside Verstappen in the first corner. The Dutchman went outside the lines and retained his first position, but later received a five-second time penalty because the stewards deemed it irregular.
After the first pit stops of both drivers, Piastri took the lead, which he did not relinquish. Regarding the incident with the four-time world champion, who would take over the top position in the drivers’ championship with a victory for the first time this season, he says: “I had a great start and put myself next to Verstappen. From that moment on, I knew I had to brake quite late, but I was sure my car would make the corner. Of course, we both braked quite late, but I braked as late as I could while staying on the track. I think the situation unfolded as it should have.”
From Hunter to Prey
For the first time in his budding Formula 1 career, Piastri leads the drivers’ championship. The Australian has transitioned from being the hunter to the prey. When asked if this new situation changes his approach to the races, he responds decisively: “No, I still want to win every race I can. I’ve said before: I’m not obsessed with leading the championship, but proud of the work we’ve done to get us to the top.”
McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who many saw as a favorite for the world title before the season, has so far only achieved one victory. With his third win of the season, no other driver has won multiple times, Piastri equals the number of victories Norris has in his entire career: five. The false start in his home race in Melbourne hasn’t thrown him off, as the Australian claims to feel better than ever. “Melbourne wasn’t the best start to the season in terms of results, but from the moment I hit the track this year, I felt good. I’m more proud of the hard work we put into preparation and what I’ve personally done to improve, than the fact that I’m now leading the championship.”
