Australian racing sensation Oscar Piastri has bolstered his position at the top of Formula 1’s drivers’ championship following a triumphant win in Miami. This victory marks Piastri’s third consecutive win, a feat not achieved by a McLaren driver in nearly three decades, and the first time since Alan Jones did it in 1980-81 for an Australian driver.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Piastri showcased impressive skill, moving up to second within the first four laps. By lap 14, he overtook Max Verstappen, taking command of the race. By lap 18, he enjoyed a commendable eight-second advantage, ultimately securing the win ahead of teammate Lando Norris and George Russell, with Verstappen finishing in fourth place.
Reflecting on his victory, Piastri expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I won the race that I really wanted to.” He acknowledged the challenges faced during the previous day’s sprint and tricky qualifying, indicating that the win was a remarkable outcome. He also noted some moments of chaos at turn one but managed to avoid an incident involving Verstappen. Piastri praised the performance of his car while emphasising the importance of continual improvement despite his success.
Norris, starting in second position alongside Verstappen, experienced difficulties early on, dropping positions after running off the track while attempting to overtake Verstappen. He voiced his frustration over the incident, saying, “He forced me off… what am I meant to do, drive into the wall or something?”
In a less fortunate turn of events, fellow Australian Jack Doohan faced an early exit from the race, crashing out just after the start due to a punctured tyre. He collided with Liam Lawson in the first turn, resulting in a quick ending to his race. Lawson managed to continue, but Doohan voiced his confusion about the collision on the team radio, stating, “I got completely hit mate, I have no idea what the hell he was doing.”
Overall, Piastri’s victory not only enhances his championship lead but also reflects a revitalised period for McLaren, following years of challenges. With a positive outlook, Piastri celebrates his success in Miami while remaining focused on the road ahead in the competitive world of Formula 1.