Tipster profile image
Victor Petkov
twitter iconlikedin iconlikedin icon
Head of Content authorBadge
Last Updated:

4 min read

Oscar Piastri wins Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to extend Formula 1 Championship lead
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
Crucial battle in turn 1 handed Max Verstappen 5-second penalty and that proved costly for the world champion

Oscar Piastri claimed his second consecutive victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season with a composed and commanding win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. The McLaren driver, who also triumphed in the season opener in Bahrain, held off reigning world champion Max Verstappen to further establish his credentials as a serious title contender.

Piastri led a McLaren-dominated performance, with teammate Lando Norris finishing fourth. Verstappen (Red Bull) settled for second place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium. Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth respectively, followed by Lewis Hamilton in seventh. Carlos Sainz, now racing for Williams, finished eighth against his former team.

The race began with immediate drama as AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly collided at Turn 4 on the opening lap, forcing Tsunoda into early retirement. Verstappen retained his pole position advantage over Piastri at Turn 1, but the McLaren driver remained close throughout the first stint.

Following a safety car period, Verstappen appeared in control at the restart but was soon handed a five-second time penalty by race stewards. Despite the sanction, the Dutchman led the early phases before pitting on lap 21 and rejoining in fifth position.

Strategic variations shuffled the order at the front, with Norris briefly inheriting the race lead after Leclerc pitted on lap 29. However, Piastri remained within striking distance and regained control of the race as strategies played out.

By lap 33, Piastri led Verstappen by 4.3 seconds. Despite encountering backmarkers in the final laps, the McLaren driver showed composure under pressure, with Verstappen closing the gap to just three seconds by the chequered flag.

The victory cements Piastri’s position at the top of the drivers’ standings after two races and marks an impressive start to the campaign for McLaren, who are emerging as serious challengers in both championships.