McLaren driver Oscar Piastri won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday, overtaking Max Verstappen and claiming the top spot in the Formula 1 world championship standings. The 24-year-old showed exceptional control and confidence to secure his third win of the season.
In a race filled with high-speed drama and strategic decisions, Piastri stood out with a clean, focused drive. He managed his tyres well and took advantage of a time penalty handed to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to grab the lead after the first pit stops. From that point on, he stayed calm and controlled the race until the chequered flag.
The victory in Jeddah adds to Piastri’s earlier wins in Bahrain and China. He now leads the championship with a 10-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
Calm Under Pressure: Piastri Outpaces Verstappen
Piastri began the race from second place, behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen. But when Verstappen ran wide into turn two while defending his position, he was hit with a five-second time penalty. That proved to be a key moment.
Piastri timed his pit stop perfectly and emerged in front. Using McLaren’s strong tyre management and impressive race pace, he kept Verstappen behind him for the rest of the race. He eventually finished 2.8 seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver.
“It’s been a great weekend,” Piastri said after the race. “The car felt amazing, and the team gave me the perfect strategy. I just had to keep it clean.”
Ferrari Back on the Podium
Charles Leclerc secured third place, giving Ferrari its first podium of the season. The result was a welcome boost for the Italian team, which has struggled with consistency in 2025.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris had a solid recovery drive. After a crash in Q3 on Saturday left him starting in 10th, he climbed through the field to finish fourth. Norris admitted he still feels shaky in qualifying but was pleased with the race result.
“I didn’t expect to be this high after yesterday,” Norris said. “It’s not where I want to be, but it’s progress.”
Full Top 10: McLaren and Mercedes Shine
George Russell finished fifth for Mercedes, showing steady form throughout the weekend. His rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli delivered an impressive drive to finish sixth. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton struggled for pace and ended up in seventh.
Carlos Sainz finished eighth for Williams, followed by Alex Albon in ninth. Isack Hadjar rounded out the top ten for Racing Bulls, scoring another valuable point.
Verstappen Frustrated But Positive
Max Verstappen expressed his frustration with the penalty after the race, saying it was “harsh” but admitted that the Red Bull car still lacked pace in the final stages. Even so, his second-place finish marked a big improvement after a disappointing sixth place in Bahrain.
“The car felt better today,” Verstappen said. “We’re still not where we want to be, but this is a step forward.”
Red Bull engineers have been working hard to find stability in a car that seems to perform well only in a narrow range of track conditions. Jeddah’s smoother surface suited the car better, and the team hopes to carry that form into the next race.
Piastri: A Rising Star in Full Control
Piastri’s calm attitude and smooth driving have earned praise across the paddock. Many now see him as a serious title contender. While Verstappen and Norris face ups and downs, Piastri appears to be growing stronger with each race.
The Australian’s quiet confidence and precise driving style are drawing comparisons to champions like Alain Prost and Nico Rosberg. With a fast car and smart strategy behind him, Piastri looks set for a strong 2025 campaign.
The Formula 1 season continues next week with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — a home race for Piastri. After three wins in four races, he will be the clear favourite heading into Albert Park.
Fans around the world are watching to see if Piastri can maintain his lead and challenge for the world title in just his third season.