At the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri demonstrated his capacity to outsmart Max Verstappen, earning praise from former F1 driver Johnny Herbert. By clinching his third victory in the last five races, Piastri moved into the championship lead, ahead of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who trails by 10 points.
The Australian racer made the most of an opportunity when Verstappen received a penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track. Piastri’s ability to seize a chance has led many, including Herbert, to acclaim his mental fortitude, speed, and strategic skills.
“Oscar Piastri has shown he can outwit Max Verstappen,” Herbert commented. “His mental strength, speed, consistency, and racecraft have been remarkable this season. He maintains composure over the radio and is performing the tasks needed to contend for this year’s championship. Piastri exhibits mental strength comparable to Verstappen’s.”
Herbert also highlighted the role of Mark Webber in Piastri’s career, suggesting that their mutual understanding and respect have bolstered Piastri’s performance. Webber’s experience dealing with high-pressure situations seems to have been imparted to Piastri, giving him an edge on the track. McLaren, Herbert speculates, might be leaning towards supporting Piastri.
In contrast, Herbert pointed out Lando Norris’s struggles despite starting the season as a favorite to dethrone Verstappen. After a crash in qualifying, Norris had to recover from 10th on the grid to finish fourth in Jeddah. Herbert remarked, “Lando Norris is making too many mistakes. Qualifying in Saudi Arabia was an example. It was unlucky, but you have to manage the pressure.”
While Norris has the speed to remain competitive, his errors, such as those seen in crashes and less favorable conditions, could jeopardize his championship aspirations. However, Herbert recognized that despite starting poorly, Norris executed an impressive recovery drive to finish fourth, illustrating resilience.
Comparing the two McLaren drivers, Herbert noted that Piastri’s only significant mistake happened under tricky conditions in Melbourne due to the rain, making Norris’s consistent mistakes more concerning. Still, last season’s lessons emphasize the importance of strong starts for championship success.
As the season unfolds, Oscar Piastri’s newfound prominence as a strategic thinker draws attention, and his display of adeptness on the track positions him as a formidable contender for the championship. Meanwhile, Norris aims to rectify his errors and reestablish himself in the fight.
