Oscar Piastri (McLaren) put the points on the “i”. Deprived on Saturday from victory to the race sprint by the intervention of the security car for the benefit of its teammate Lando Norris, the Australian driver took his revenge this Sunday by winning his fourth Grand Prix of the season in Miami. And sent a message: it will be very difficult to beat in 2025.
Having become the first McLaren pilot since Mika Häkkinen (1997-1998) to win three times in a row -he has lifted his fist successively to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and therefore in Florida -, the native of Perth consolidated his position as a leader in the championship with 16 and 32 points ahead of Norris and Max Verstapper respectively (Red Bull). He also took the opportunity to double his neighbor’s neighbor to the number of victories (6 against 5 having participated in 82 less prices).
“I won the race that I really wanted to win. Yesterday yesterday (SATURDAY) was a complicated day. The qualifications were one of my most delicate sessions of the year, so winning the victory today is an impressive result “he told F1TV in the closed park after gratifying its mechanics a few dance steps. A story of a bet lost with Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver of Minnesota Vikings (NFL) which celebrates its touchdowns by a “Griddy”.
“The car was clearly incredible”
This celebration, unusual for those who are nicknamed “Ice-Boy”, symbolizes the incredible period that he is living. Qualified out of the top 3 for the first time of the season, Piastri took advantage of the incident between the Poleman Verstappen and his dolphin Norris to return to the top trio, before quickly getting rid of Kimi Andrea Antonelli (Mercedes).
Once the Italian is in its mirrors, the Aussia made the firepower of its MCL39 speak to snuggle up in the diffuser of the Red Bull N ° 1 and exceed it in the 14th round after an exciting duel for several loops. The rest? A long rider alone. Once in the clean air, PiaStri has formed a comfortable 9.3 second mattress in the space of six laps and was content to manage his advance in a race to a single stop, Norris crossing the finish line more than four seconds after him: “The situation was a little tense at the first turn, but it did my things. I had the presence of mind to avoid Max in the bend 1. From there, I knew that I had a good rhythm and, clearly, the car was incredible.”
If his first relay was “Really solid”Piastri has negotiated its passage to hard tires in the 29th round tires less well. “”I was able to control with the advantage acquired at the start of the racehe said. I am very happy with victory and points, and I continue to learn. ”
Puissance 4 to imola?
The 24 -year -old pilot releases such a feeling of superiority and invulnerability when he finds himself at the top of a race, which we would almost forget that he lives “only” his third season in the skin of an F1 holder and that he still has points to perfect. “His race management is excellent. It clearly has an advantage over Norris at this levelanalyzed Martin Brundle, former pilot and current Sky Sports commentator. Norris may be a little faster when everything aligns perfectly for him. But Piastri does the job: his overruns are clean, he does not make mistakes and brings the victories home. “
For his part, the main interested party preferred to highlight the incredible leap forward made by the woking stable: “Two years ago, we were the slowest here. I even think we were doubled twice. Winning today with more than 35 seconds ahead of the third is an unimaginable result.” After his masterful performance in Miami, Piastri now intends to continue his series of victories in Imola in two weeks for the return of F1 to Europe. With such a dominant McLaren, competition is concerned with being done …
