Piastri Triumphs in Saudi Arabian GP, Takes Lead in Drivers' Championship

Sports

Oscar Piastri secured a dominant victory at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, claiming his third win of the season and moving to the top of the drivers' championship standings.

The McLaren driver, who started the race from second position, managed to overcome Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who finished second despite receiving a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage after leaving the track on the opening lap. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completed the podium in third place, marking Ferrari's first podium of the season.

Piastri’s win on the 6.1km (3.8-mile) Jeddah circuit came after Verstappen served his penalty during a pit stop on Lap 22, allowing the Australian to seize the lead. Piastri crossed the finish line 2.84 seconds ahead of the reigning world champion, Verstappen, securing his second consecutive victory after his Bahrain triumph last week.

The victory marks Piastri’s fifth career F1 win in just 51 starts, and it’s the first time he has led the drivers' championship standings. He is now the first Australian to sit atop the standings since Mark Webber in 2010.

McLaren's Success:This win gives Piastri his third victory of the season, having also won the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this year. Lando Norris, Piastri’s McLaren teammate, finished fourth, adding to McLaren's strong start to the season. The team now has four victories in the first five races, with Norris winning the season-opening race in Australia.

Constructors' Championship:McLaren's dominance this season has extended to the constructors' standings, with the team now leading Mercedes by a commanding 77 points. McLaren’s consistent performance this year has marked them as the team to beat.

Drivers' Championship Standings:

1. Oscar Piastri: 99 points
2. Lando Norris: 89 points
3. Max Verstappen: 87 points

Verstappen's Resilience:Despite the penalty, Verstappen’s runner-up finish adds to his strong season, with the Dutchman aiming to maintain his title defense. Verstappen had previously won the Saudi Arabian GP twice in the last three years, but Piastri’s performance showed the changing tide in the 2025 season.

With this result, Piastri is firmly in control of the championship heading into the next races.