Oscar Piastri’s victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix showcased his Formula One talent, with mentor Mark Webber calling it “world class.” The win solidifies Piastri’s place among the sport’s top drivers.
BollywoodFever: Oscar Piastri’s win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was nothing short of “world class” and proves the young Australian has firmly established himself in Formula One, according to his mentor and manager, Mark Webber.
The 23-year-old McLaren driver earned his second championship win at Baku on Sunday, passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and holding him off until a crash on the penultimate lap triggered a virtual safety car, sealing Piastri’s victory.
“This was one of the best drives I’ve ever seen him pull off,” Webber said from the Baku City Circuit. “Charles is magical around here, so to beat him was a pretty big deal. It was world class, to say the least. He’s arrived, and he’ll keep his feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
Piastri’s first win came at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, though it was clouded by a team orders dispute when McLaren asked Lando Norris to relinquish the lead.
However, in Baku, team strategy played out smoothly as Norris was asked to hold up Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, allowing Piastri to pit and stay ahead.
Norris had no issue helping Piastri this time, as McLaren surged to the top of the constructors’ standings, now 20 points ahead of Red Bull with seven races and three sprint events remaining.
Piastri’s impressive season continues as he climbs the ranks, moving to fourth in the drivers’ championship, just 32 points behind his teammate Norris.
This is a huge leap from last season when Piastri finished ninth, more than 100 points shy of Norris.
“He is no longer the next best star coming into F1. The star is here,” said former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok. “Some people felt he didn’t deserve his first win. There can be no doubt he deserved this victory today.”
Piastri’s rise has excited Australian fans, many of whom have been disheartened by Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles at Red Bull. Ricciardo finished 13th in Baku after facing tire issues that hindered his performance.
The Formula One championship resumes at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, with Piastri now firmly in the spotlight.
Also Read Latest Sports News, Dan Campbell and Todd Bowles Show True Sportsmanship After Buccaneers’ 20-16 Win Over Lions
USC Trojans Prepare for Big Ten Showdown Against Michigan Wolverines as 6.5-Point Favorites
Los Angeles Rams Suffer Crushing 41-10 Loss to Arizona Cardinals, McVay Vows to Respond
New York Knicks Sign Marcus Morris Sr. to Compete for Final Roster Spot
Spurs Waive Jamaree Bouyea, Opening Final Two-Way Contract Spot with Riley Minix as Frontrunner