Defending World Champion, Max Verstappen, commended Oscar Piastri for his “solid’ performance as the McLaren driver leads the World Championship after the F1 Saudi Arabian GP.
The 24-year-old Australian driver entered Formula 1 in 2023 in the middle of Max Verstappen’s dominance era with Red Bull Racing. However, after a win from Pole Position at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Oscar Piastri leads the World Driver’s Championship in his third year in Formula 1. With McLaren winning four out of the five full races this year (Piastri winning three of them), Verstappen praised Piastri for how the Australian was able to lead the championship.
Verstappen on Piastri’s performance
Verstappen did not have any animosity towards his championship rival after the Saudi Arabian GP, on the other hand, the Dutchman gave great words about Piastri’s performance at this point in his career.
“I think I’ve said it before. People forget a little bit – last year was his second year. Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid,” Verstappen told the media, “He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that.”
“It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship.”
Help along the way
Verstappen did note that help from former drivers can provide insight towards a positive trajectory with Piastri’s manager and former multiple race winner, Mark Webber.
“I think with Mark by his side, he’s helping him a lot,” Verstappen said to the media, “It’s great. People learn from their own careers – that’s what I had with my Dad [Jos Verstappen], and Mark is advising Oscar. At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that’s great to see.”
Verstappen on a race well fought
Even though Verstappen did receive a 5-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian GP for leaving the track and gaining an advantage against Piastri, he still saw light at the end of the tunnel.
“We are not good at every track, that’s quite clear. Bahrain, we were lacking a lot. Here [in Jeddah], for sure, it was a lot better. But, like I said, it’s also very low deg [tyre degradation] and then more cars come alive, so we still have work to do, but at least it’s a promising result.”
“Overall, it’s been a promising weekend, at the end of the day. We really managed to find a good balance or a decent balance, and that’s, of course, positive for us.”
