A brilliant opening manoeuvre from Oscar Piastri has won him the Saudi Arabian grand prix and the lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship.
It is the first time an Australian has led the drivers’ championship for 15 years, following his manager Mark Webber in 2010. The 24-year-old McLaren driver is also the first back-to-back winner this season.
Piastri nipped inside Max Verstappen, who had begun the race on pole, at turn one, resulting in the Dutchman driving off the road to reclaim the lead. He was subsequently given a five-second penalty enabling Piastri to regain the lead when the Red Bull rider pitted, and hold onto it all the way to the chequered flag.
Verstappen was second while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made up the podium with former championship leader Lando Norris, who began in tenth after crashing in qualifying, fourth.
“It was a pretty tough race, one of the toughest in my career. I’m glad I came out on top. I’m very happy to have won,” Piastri said.
“Once I got on the inside I wasn’t coming out of turn one in second. In the end that’s what won us the race today.
“Great race, we did the parts we needed to do right.”
Australian rookie Jack Doohan came 17th in his Alpine.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/motorsport/piastri-wins-back-to-back-gps-to-lead-f1-championship-c-18435895
