Oscar Piastri ended the first triple header of 2025 with a thrilling victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, his win came at a cost, as he missed out on pole position due to his McLaren team’s performance in practice.
Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, took second place, while Carlos Sainz Jr. secured third spot for Ferrari. The podium finish marked Ferrari’s maiden 2025 victory and their first podium since the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
Several drivers struggled with the desert conditions, including Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, who crashed out of the race. Verstappen, who led from the start, was hit with a penalty for causing Piastri to lose ground on the final lap.
Despite his disappointment, Piastri’s win is a significant boost for McLaren. The Australian driver demonstrated exceptional speed and strategy throughout the race. His victory puts him in the lead for the 2025 championship.
In contrast, drivers such as Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen struggled with their car setup and tire management. Their performances were hindered by the challenging desert conditions, which made it difficult to maintain a consistent pace.
Piastri’s win marks a turning point for McLaren, and he will be eager to build on this momentum in the next races. However, his teammates still have work to do to match his level of performance.
Source: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/5-winners-and-5-losers-from-saudi-arabia-who-leaves-jeddah-the-happiest-and.5Hkf00yl5OmbjQQiyaymqd