Perfect Piastri Takes Title Lead After Storming to Jeddah Win

Australian driver capitalises on Verstappen penalty to claim third win of the season

- Giles Richards

Maintaining a focus and equilibrium under pressure has always been one of the hallmarks of Formula One's greatest proponents and Oscar Piastri is demonstrating it with striking assurance for one so young.

His victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, beating the world champion Max Verstappen, was an object lesson in the 24-year-old's calm confidence and his potential to take the title in only his third season.

Seven days ago at the Bahrain GP, Piastri had controlled the race from pole to flag and while in Jeddah he had more to do, starting from second on the grid after Verstappen had taken pole, the Australian and his McLaren team kept their composure and once he had the lead, gained through the pit stops after Verstappen was given a five-second penalty, Piastri was once more untouchable.

For all that Verstappen and Red Bull had managed to find the right window for their car this weekend, a far cry from Bahrain, the McLaren remains the class of the field in race pace and was notably easier on its tyres than its competitors. Piastri and his team duly executed with perfection to secure the victory and one largely decided in the opening moments when Verstappen held his lead from the off but had to go off wide at turn two as Piastri went up the inside.