Max Verstappen Praises Oscar Piastri Following His Win in Saudi Arabia

After an unexpected victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri, the 24-year-old Australian racer, has garnered a surprising endorsement from world champion Max Verstappen. With this win, Piastri has taken a significant step towards challenging Verstappen’s four-season reign as the Formula One (F1) title holder.

The Rising Star Leading the Championship

Currently leading the championship by 10 points from his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, Piastri is now the one to watch in the F1 scene. While Norris was initially favored to take Verstappen’s crown at the start of the season, it is Piastri who appears most likely to inherit the title.

Verstappen, when asked about Piastri’s impressive form after his win in Saudi Arabia, praised the Aussie’s calm and focused approach on the track. He acknowledged that delivering consistently and minimizing mistakes are crucial for anyone aiming to fight for a championship.

The Influence of Mark Webber

Verstappen also highlighted the significant impact Piastri’s manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, has on his career. Webber, who was the last Australian to lead the F1 drivers’ championship in 2010, is helping Piastri navigate the complexities of the F1 world much like Verstappen’s father did for him.

Webber became Piastri’s manager in 2019, and his guidance has been instrumental in Piastri’s rapid rise through the ranks. In a recent interview with the F1 Nation podcast, Webber spoke about how Piastri had stepped up his game against the formidable competition, including Verstappen himself.

The Learning Curve for Piastri

Speaking after Piastri’s win in Bahrain prior to his success in Saudi Arabia, Webber discussed the importance of converting pole positions into victories. He emphasized that as a Formula 1 driver, this skill is crucial and something not lost on Piastri.

Webber also reminded Piastri that he would gain the most experience the day he retires, so it’s essential to keep learning and improving. With Piastri still in the early stages of his career, there is a strong feeling that we have yet to see the best of this promising talent. And Verstappen seems to agree.