Oscar Piastri was all smiles after scoring a surprise podium at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This win was his third of the season and further extended his lead atop the drivers’ standings. The 24-year-old Aussie Woking wonder makes McLaren proud once again. He became the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010. Piastri’s victory further solidifies his meteoric arrival onto Formula 1’s main stage, as he showed fearless tenacity and utter brilliance on the track.
The race played out on a twisty, technical, 6.1-kilometer circuit, where Piastri qualified second on the grid. His political strategy brilliance was on full display when he went on offense. This decision came after the race leader Max Verstappen was issued a five-second penalty for an unsafe pit stop on Lap 22. Although Piastri did not start from pole position, he became the first driver this season to claim victory under such circumstances.
Piastri REALLY pulled off an upset, winning by a mind-bogglingly large 2.84 seconds over Verstappen. With this victory, he made it five career wins in just 51 starts! This victory not only highlights Piastri’s talent but underscores his consistency, as he achieved two consecutive wins in this season alone.
With a total of 99 points in the drivers’ championship, Piastri’s success reflects McLaren’s competitive resurgence this year. His teammate, Lando Norris, played a key role in the team’s impressive performance as well, with the Briton finishing fourth in the race. Piastri’s lead in the Drivers’ championship after five races is a big change in momentum. Both he and McLaren are now looking to build on that to achieve even greater success in the remaining races.
