Saudi Arabian GP: Piastri wins again as Verstappen incident triggers FIA ….read more
Oscar Piastri’s stellar start to the 2025 Formula 1 season continued in spectacular fashion as the McLaren driver clinched his third win in five races, this time triumphing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The result not only bolstered his already-impressive campaign but also saw the young Australian rise to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings for the very first time, leapfrogging both his team-mate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Starting on the front row alongside polesitter Verstappen, Piastri made a rapid getaway on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, forcing the Red Bull driver into defensive mode heading into the first corner. However, Verstappen was deemed to have gained an unfair advantage by cutting the chicane while keeping Piastri behind. The race stewards were quick to penalize the defending world champion with a five-second time penalty, a decision that would ultimately cost him victory.
Throughout the opening stint, Piastri kept within five seconds of Verstappen, carefully managing his pace and tyres. When both drivers pitted during the race’s only round of pit stops, Verstappen served his penalty, allowing Piastri to inherit the lead. From there, the McLaren driver remained unchallenged, controlling the pace and maintaining a three-second advantage to seal the win in commanding fashion.
The victory marked Piastri’s third of the season and his most significant yet, as it elevated him to the top of the standings. His cool, calculated drive once again underlined the talent and maturity of the second-year F1 driver, who is rapidly establishing himself as a championship contender.
Behind the leading duo, Charles Leclerc delivered an impressive performance to claim Ferrari’s first podium of the season. Starting fourth on the grid, the Monegasque driver extended his opening stint and took full advantage of fresher tyres in the latter stages of the race. His strategic patience paid off as he overtook Mercedes’ George Russell, who had occupied the final podium spot for much of the Grand Prix.
Lando Norris, who had led the championship heading into the race, suffered a setback during qualifying when he crashed and started 10th on the grid. However, the Briton produced a spirited recovery drive on an alternate tyre strategy, moving steadily up the order and mounting a late challenge for the podium. Despite his best efforts, Norris was unable to overtake Leclerc and had to settle for fourth place, narrowly missing out on a top-three finish.
Russell eventually finished fifth after being overtaken by both Leclerc and Norris in the closing laps, with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli crossing the line in sixth. Antonelli continued his promising debut season with another solid points finish for Mercedes, showcasing consistency and composure.
Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult weekend. Despite Ferrari’s improved pace in recent rounds, the seven-time world champion struggled with grip throughout the race and was unable to improve on his qualifying position. He finished seventh, underlining a need for further progress as he adjusts to life at Ferrari.
Williams, meanwhile, enjoyed one of their most productive outings of the season, with both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon finishing inside the top 10. Sainz, in particular, impressed once again, taking eighth and continuing to impress since his move from Ferrari. Albon followed close behind in ninth, securing vital points for the team.
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar rounded out the top 10, claiming his first career point in Formula 1. The young French driver showed maturity beyond his years in a competitive midfield battle, holding off more experienced drivers to finish in the points.
The race began with drama as the Safety Car was deployed almost immediately following a first-lap collision between Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. The crash resulted in both drivers retiring and ensured the Safety Car’s 100% appearance record at the Jeddah circuit remained intact since the track joined the F1 calendar in 2021.
As the championship battle continues to heat up, Piastri’s latest victory has added an exciting new dimension to the title race. With McLaren now boasting a one-two in the drivers’ standings and Red Bull facing mounting pressure, the 2025 season promises further drama and unpredictability as Formula 1 he
ads into its next chapter.
