Oscar Piastri continued his blistering form with a landmark win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, becoming the first Australian to lead the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship since Mark Webber in 2010. The McLaren driver clinched his third win in four races, outperforming Max Verstappen under the Jeddah lights.
At the start, Piastri launched superbly, challenging Verstappen into Turn 1. The Dutchman cut the chicane to retain position but was penalised five seconds for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. He served the penalty during his pit stop and ultimately crossed the line 2.843 seconds behind Piastri after 50 laps on the 6.174 km street circuit.
Charles Leclerc secured his first podium of the season with a strategic masterclass, stretching his medium stint until lap 29 and fending off Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris, who charged from 10th to fourth despite a Q3 crash.
Rooky Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton had quiet but consistent runs to sixth and seventh, respectively, finishing ahead of the Williams pair and Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar.
Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine, and Kick Sauber failed to score in Jeddah, leaving with work to do before the next round.
