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Oscar Piastri Takes Championship Lead After Saudi GP Win, Verstappen Faces Pressure

Date: 21-apr-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team

Oscar Piastri Takes Championship Lead After Saudi GP Win, Verstappen Faces Pressure

Oscar PiastriSaudi Arabian Grand Prix, held over the weekend. The McLaren driver now sits atop the Drivers’ Championship with 99 points, overtaking teammate Lando Norris in a thrilling showdown under scorching desert conditions.

Race Recap: Bold Move Costs Verstappen

The decisive moment came at Turn 1 when Piastri aggressively challenged Red Bull's Max Verstappen, forcing him off track. While Verstappen rejoined and finished second, a five-second penalty dropped him back on the timing charts. This result leaves him third in the standings with 87 points—just ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who secured a long-awaited podium for the Scuderia.

Verstappen's Exit Clause Sparks Transfer Rumors

Reports have emerged that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull contains an early termination clause if he drops below third in the championship. With mounting pressure and rumors swirling, sources suggest that Mercedes and Aston Martin are monitoring the situation closely.

Mercedes Stays Committed to Current Drivers

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff dismissed the Verstappen speculation, stating the team is “super-happy” with its lineup of George Russell and 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, fresh off a fastest lap performance, continues to impress in his debut season.

Safety Concerns Amid Saudi Heat

The intense heat in Jeddah raised fresh concerns about driver well-being. Veteran driver Lewis Hamilton emphasized preparation over reliance on cooling vests, calling for smarter race-day strategies. The FIA has confirmed plans to mandate wearable cooling systems by the 2026 season.

What’s Next: Miami Awaits

The 2025 Formula 1 calendar now moves to North America, with the Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May 4. Races in Italy and Monaco will follow later in May, continuing what is already a fiercely competitive season.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from various online sources. We do not claim absolute accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to cross-check facts independently before forming conclusions.

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