Oscar Piastri seizes championship lead with Saudi Arabian GP victory

Dominika Jordan
Apr 20, 2025, 06:23 PM ET

Oscar Piastri secures Saudi GP win, takes F1 championship lead, marking McLaren's dominance.

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri catapulted to the top of the Formula 1 world championship standings on Sunday, delivering a stellar performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This achievement marks the first time an Australian has led the championship since Mark Webber in 2010. Despite the victory, Piastri remains focused on his long-term goals.

"I'm not that bothered by the fact that I'm leading the championship, but I'm proud of the work and the reasons behind why we're leading the championship," Piastri told reporters after the celebratory fireworks had dimmed over the Red Sea and preparations began to pack up in the paddock.

Reflecting on the season's start, Piastri noted, "Melbourne wasn't a great start to the year in terms of results. But from the moment I've hit the track this season, I felt like I've been in a good place. Leading the championship is a result of all the hard work we've done in the off-season, the hard work I've done personally, the hard work the team's done."

He continued, "I'm more proud of all of those things than I am of the fact that I'm leading the championship because, ultimately, I want to be leading it after round 24, not round five."

Piastri has now clocked up three wins in the first five races, including back-to-back victories, making him the season's first repeat winner. His triumph in Jeddah has positioned him 10 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who had led the championship at the start of the evening.

The last Australian to lead the F1 championship was Mark Webber, Piastri's current manager. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who started from pole and finished second, acknowledged the formidable challenge Piastri presents.

"People forget a little bit that last year was his second year," Verstappen remarked about the championship leader. "Now he's in his third year and he's very solid. He's very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes — and that's what you need when you want to fight for a championship."

Verstappen further praised the guidance Piastri receives from Webber, stating, "I think with Mark by his side, he's helping him a lot. It's great. People learn from their own careers — that's what I had with my dad, and Mark is advising Oscar. At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that's great to see."

As the F1 season progresses, Piastri's combination of skill, consistency, and support from an experienced mentor sets him up as a formidable contender for the 2023 championship. The upcoming races will reveal whether he can maintain his lead until the final round.