Tazi’s News

Saudi Arabian GP 2025: Max Verstappen Fights Hard – Piastri Takes Championship Lead

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The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit delivered high drama, strategic battles, and standout performances. Max Verstappen, who started from pole position, had to concede victory to Oscar Piastri after an intense duel. The McLaren driver celebrated his third win of the season and took the lead in the Formula 1 Drivers‘ Championship for the first time.

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Qualifying: Verstappen Shines with Pole Position

Max Verstappen once again showed his class during qualifying, taking pole with a blistering lap time of 1:27.294. Oscar Piastri lined up second in his McLaren, closely followed by George Russell in the Mercedes. The stage was set for a thrilling Sunday showdown.

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Race Start and Early Safety Car

The race began with chaos: Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly collided on the opening lap, triggering an early Safety Car. Verstappen kept the lead after the restart, but Piastri stayed close, applying relentless pressure lap after lap.

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Time Penalty for Verstappen and Tactical Twists

A major turning point came when Verstappen received a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in Turn 1. The penalty cost him crucial seconds and opened the door for Piastri to leap ahead through a clever pit stop strategy – a move that ultimately decided the race.

Lando Norris Impresses with Consistency

Lando Norris once again proved why he’s one of the most consistent drivers on the 2025 F1 grid. Starting from P, the British McLaren driver delivered a clean, controlled race, climbing to fourth thanks to a strong middle stint and a strategic overcut. While he narrowly missed the podium.

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Leclerc Back on the Podium – Ferrari on the Rise

Charles Leclerc returned to the podium in Saudi Arabia, showing both pace and poise. After a strong qualifying and well-timed strategy calls from Ferrari, Leclerc brought the car home in third – his best result of the season so far. The Monegasque fended off late pressure from Norris with impressive composure, signaling that Ferrari may be turning a corner. With momentum building, Leclerc will be one to watch as the season unfolds.

Conclusion: Verstappen Still in the Hunt

Despite finishing second, Max Verstappen remains a formidable title contender. His pace, experience, and ability to perform under pressure will be key in the races to come. The Dutchman will no doubt regroup and look to bounce back stronger in the upcoming Grand Prix.

PK