Starting second on the grid, Piastri immediately put pressure on the pole-sitter and reigning world champion, Max Verstappen of Red Bull. 

Piastri got the better of Verstappen at the first corner during a dramatic opening lap, forcing the Dutch driver to cut the corner to maintain the lead. However, Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits – a decision that some critics felt wasn’t harsh enough.

A five-second penalty for the current race leader, Max Verstappen for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at the start ??#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/0ow0EBommp

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025

Verstappen led the race until he pitted for fresh tyres and to serve his five-second penalty. Piastri, who had kept Verstappen within two seconds throughout the first stint, took full advantage to claim the lead.

The McLaren driver held firm to take the chequered flag in a time of 1:21:06.758, proving not only that he had the fastest car on the day, but also that he managed it with exceptional driving.

Verstappen recovered well to finish second, just 2.843 seconds behind. With another five laps, he might have reclaimed the lead, but the early penalty and lack of discipline proved costly.

Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly collision on lap one. Photo: F1

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium, holding off a strong challenge from Piastri’s McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. The opening lap also brought further trouble for Red Bull, as their second driver, Yuki Tsunoda of Japan, collided with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. 

Gasly’s race ended there and then, prompting the deployment of the safety car. Tsunoda managed to limp back to the pits, but a damaged rear wing forced his retirement – a blow to Red Bull, who for the first time this season had both cars qualify in the top eight.

Speaking after the race, Piastri credited McLaren’s strong start and persistent pressure on Verstappen for the win.

Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen. Photo: F1

“Once I got on the inside, I wasn’t coming out of Turn 1 in second,” said Piastri. “I tried my best – obviously the stewards had to get involved – but I thought I was plenty far enough up, and in the end that’s what won me the race. 

“I’m very happy with all the work we’ve done on starts – that’s what made the difference today. It was really tricky to follow out there. I couldn’t quite stay with Max at the end of the first stint – the tyres went off pretty quickly – but clean air after the pit stops helped. 

“Great race. We nailed the parts we needed to. I still need a bit more, I think. Max was a bit too close for comfort, but overall, it was a great race and a great weekend.”

?? "Well done everyone" @OscarPiastri secures his third victory of the season! ??#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/tAArBRWPqA

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025

With the win, Piastri moves to 99 points in the championship, ten clear of his teammate Norris. Verstappen remains in third on 87 points.

The next stop on the calendar is the first visit to the United States this season, with the Miami Grand Prix taking place from 2 to 4 May.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh