The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Oscar’s third win of the season
Oscar Piastri secured his fifth Formula 1 victory with a commanding performance that showcased maturity well beyond his years. The McLaren driver led confidently from the early stages, expertly managing tire degradation and keeping his composure through multiple safety car periods. This win not only marks a major milestone in the Australian’s career but also cements McLaren’s resurgence as a genuine threat in the 2025 championship battle. Piastri and Norris both have secured 5 race wins each, despite Oscar being approximately 80 races short of Lando in terms of experience.
While Piastri was taking care of business at the front, teammate Lando Norris delivered arguably the drive of the day. Starting in P10 after a tricky qualifying, Norris carved his way through the field with a series of daring overtakes, particularly on the medium stint where he made up five places in under ten laps. His final-lap duel with Charles Leclerc for fourth place had fans on their feet, and although he just missed out on a podium, Norris’ performance underlined McLaren’s strength and race pace.
After a string of disappointing results and strategic missteps, Ferrari finally broke through with their first podium of the season. Charles Leclerc finished third, taking advantage of the early chaos and maintaining solid pace throughout. The team’s updated aero package seemed to have done the trick, allowing Leclerc to hold off threats from Mercedes and Red Bull in the closing stages.
The race wasn’t without its early drama. On lap one, Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda tangled going into Turn 3, triggering a chain reaction that forced both cars to retire and brought out the safety car. Replays showed Tsunoda attempting an optimistic move on the inside, with Gasly unaware and unable to give room. The stewards deemed it a racing incident, but the collision had ripple effects throughout the midfield, scattering strategies and handing others an early advantage.
Perhaps the most talked-about moment of the weekend was the stewards' decision to hand Max Verstappen a 5-second time penalty instead of ordering him to relinquish a position he gained by going off track. The incident occurred during his battle with Piastri, where Verstappen rejoined the circuit ahead after a questionable move. Many, including team principals and commentators, felt the penalty lacked bite and set a concerning precedent. The debate raged post-race, with fans split over whether the penalty was fair or too lenient.
This race weekend had everything—rookie glory, veteran grit, strategic gambles, and just the right amount of controversy. As the championship is still in its early stages it’s hard to determine who will end up on top, but Norris and Piastri are proving themselves worthy of the championship title (and who can ever count out Max Verstappen). Meanwhile, the FIA’s decision-making once again takes centre stage, reminding everyone that in Formula 1, the racing doesn’t end at the checkered flag—it continues in the court of public opinion.
