McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a masterclass performance to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, claiming his third victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season and taking the lead in the drivers’ championship. The 24-year-old Australian outmaneuvered Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a dramatic race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, capitalizing on a controversial first-lap penalty to secure back-to-back wins and cement his status as a title contender.
The race began with high tension as Verstappen, starting from pole after a stunning qualifying lap, faced immediate pressure from Piastri, who lined up second on the grid. As the lights went out, Piastri made a bold move, diving inside at Turn 1. Verstappen, defending aggressively, went wide and cut the corner to maintain his lead, but the stewards deemed the maneuver illegal, handing him a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off-track. This decision, which Verstappen sarcastically called “lovely” over the radio, proved pivotal, allowing Piastri to take control during the pit stops.
Piastri’s composure was evident throughout the 50-lap race. Despite a slower pit stop on Lap 20, McLaren’s strategy and the Australian’s flawless driving ensured he emerged ahead of Verstappen after the penalty was served. From there, Piastri managed his tires and pace expertly, crossing the finish line 2.843 seconds ahead of the four-time world champion to claim his fifth career win and McLaren’s first-ever victory in Saudi Arabia. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium in third, marking the Italian team’s first podium of the season.
“It was a tough race, probably one of the toughest I’ve had,” Piastri said post-race, maintaining his characteristic calm. “We didn’t have the perfect start, but we kept our heads, executed when it mattered, and got the job done. Leading the championship is great, but there’s a long way to go.” His victory propelled him 10 points ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, making him the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010.
Norris, who started 10th after a qualifying crash, fought back impressively to finish fourth, but the Briton now trails Piastri in the title race. The intra-team dynamic at McLaren is heating up, with Piastri’s consistency—he’s the only driver with multiple wins this season—giving him the edge. Verstappen, finishing second, praised Piastri’s championship credentials, noting, “He barely makes mistakes and delivers in big moments,” while also highlighting the guidance Piastri receives from manager and former F1 driver Webber.
The race wasn’t without drama elsewhere. A first-lap collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly triggered a Safety Car, forcing both drivers to retire. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, showed late-race pace but settled for seventh behind Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen remained tight-lipped about the penalty, wary of potential repercussions for criticizing the stewards. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called the incident “debatable,” and there’s speculation the team may appeal. However, the focus remains on Piastri, whose calm under pressure and strategic acumen have positioned him as a genuine title threat in only his third F1 season.
As the paddock packed up under Jeddah’s floodlights, celebratory fireworks lit up the Red Sea coast. Piastri, true to his reserved nature, skipped the party, focusing instead on the races ahead. “I’m proud of the work we’re doing, but I’m not where I want to be yet,” he told reporters. With McLaren’s dominant car and Piastri’s relentless form, the Formula 1 world is witnessing the rise of a new star.
The championship battle now shifts to the next round, with Piastri aiming to extend his lead and Verstappen determined to fight back. For now, Australia celebrates its new championship leader, and the F1 world watches in anticipation of what’s to come.