Piastri 'proud' to be first Australian in 15 years to lead F1 title race

As Piastri surges ahead in the 2025 F1 championship standings, fans are already wondering whether he can carry this momentum through to the end of the season. If you’re backing Oscar—or eyeing another contender—check out the latest Formula 1 betting odds at BetWright.

Despite the historic moment, the McLaren driver remained grounded, emphasising that his focus lies not on the early-season accolade but on the bigger picture. While leading the championship is a proud achievement, Piastri was clear that his goal is to still be on top come the end of the season.

He acknowledged the effort that’s gone into reaching this point—from his own personal development to the tireless work of the McLaren team—and stressed that there’s still a long road ahead.

The milestone may mark a significant moment for Australian motorsport, but for Piastri, it’s just one step on a journey he hopes will end with championship glory after all 24 rounds.

Once the celebration fireworks faded over the Red Sea and the paddock returned to the routine of packing up, Oscar Piastri made it clear his focus hadn’t shifted. While leading the championship was a milestone, it wasn’t what he was most concerned with.

Piastri admitted: “What matters more to me is the hard work that’s brought us here—the preparation, the effort, and the progress we’ve made as a team.”

Piastri began the season with a ninth-place finish in his home Grand Prix after an early spin, but he’s quickly turned things around. He became the first driver this season to notch multiple wins—and with Sunday’s triumph, the first to secure back-to-back victories.

Now with three wins from the opening five races, the McLaren star sits 10 points clear of teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings, having entered the Saudi Arabian GP trailing by three.

The last time an Australian topped the Formula One standings was back in 2010, when Mark Webber—now managing 24-year-old Oscar Piastri—led the charge for Red Bull. Fast forward to today, and with Piastri now making waves under Webber’s guidance, the paddock has taken notice.

Even four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who started from pole and finished second after a fierce first-corner battle with Piastri, acknowledged the formidable support team behind the rising star and what it means for the title fight ahead.

"People often overlook that last year was just his second season," Verstappen said of the new championship leader. "Now, in his third year, he’s become incredibly solid. His calmness in approach is impressive, and I really admire that. You can see it on the track—he steps up when needed and rarely makes mistakes. That’s exactly the kind of consistency you need if you’re aiming for a championship.

"I believe having Mark [Webber] by his side is a huge asset for Oscar. It’s fantastic to see. Everyone draws from their own experiences – that’s what I had with my dad, and now Mark is guiding Oscar. Ultimately, though, it’s Oscar’s natural talent that shines through, and it’s amazing to watch."

Whilst the 2025 F1 season may only just be getting underway, McLaren and Piastris impressive start have given the rest of the grid something to think about, and with Piastris sights set on maintaining his championship lead to the end of the season the competition will need to dig deep if they hope to challenge the 24-year-old’s consistency and rising confidence.

With his steady progress and solid support from the team, Piastri’s quest for the title is only gaining momentum, and he’s proving to be a formidable contender for the championship.