In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Oscar Piastri secured a stunning victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking a defining moment in his burgeoning McLaren career. The 23-year-old Australian driver showcased a perfect blend of aggression and precision to overcome Charles Leclerc, widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers ever to navigate the challenging Baku street circuit.
Piastri’s decisive move came on Lap 20 when he audaciously overtook Leclerc, setting the stage for a tense 31-lap battle for the lead. Despite the immense pressure, Piastri maintained his composure, expertly manoeuvring his McLaren within millimetres of the walls while fending off every challenge from Leclerc.
This victory stands in stark contrast to Piastri’s maiden win in Hungary, where McLaren’s pit strategy led to an awkward team order. In Baku, Piastri unequivocally proved his mettle with an awe-inspiring drive.
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Norris plays a crucial role
Prior to the race, McLaren’s decision to prioritize Lando Norris in racing situations involving both drivers had been a major talking point. Piastri accepted his position as the de facto No. 2 driver but recognized that outpacing Norris was the most effective way to circumvent any potential team orders.
An unfortunate yellow flag during qualifying inadvertently aided Piastri’s cause, as Norris missed the cut for Q2 and started from 15th on the grid. McLaren hoped for controlled chaos that would elevate Norris without jeopardizing Piastri’s chances of victory. Remarkably, they achieved both.
Ironically, Norris ended up assisting Piastri rather than the other way around. When Sergio Pérez pitted early, he posed a threat to Piastri’s position. Norris, running an alternative strategy, was instructed to strategically impede Pérez, allowing Piastri more time to pit and emerge ahead.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged Norris’s contribution, stating, “50% of Oscar’s victory today was shared with Lando. It shows we are approaching racing as one team.”
Piastri’s killer instinct
Piastri’s win was defined by his instinctive decision to defy his engineer’s advice and execute a high-risk overtake. This trait, increasingly evident in his driving, is reminiscent of many F1 greats.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Piastri explained, “If I didn’t take that opportunity, I was never going to have another one.” Leclerc, caught off guard, admitted, “That’s probably where I lost the race.”
What followed was a relentless defence of the lead. Leclerc repeatedly challenged Piastri, but the young McLaren driver responded with unwavering precision.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella lauded Piastri’s mental strength, stating, “He drove like a driver with a lot of experience… a phenomenal driver and a brilliant drive today.”
McLaren’s remarkable turnaround
Piastri’s victory propelled McLaren 20 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, a remarkable achievement for a team that began the season at the bottom. Stella emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “We don’t look at the classification. We just look at executing at every single event.”
In the drivers’ standings, Norris closed the gap to Verstappen, and Piastri is now within striking distance of Norris. Stella reiterated that McLaren has two No. 1 drivers and will prioritize the driver in the most favourable position at each race.
While Norris is expected to retain priority in Singapore, Piastri’s Baku victory has undeniably strengthened his case for greater flexibility in McLaren’s rules of engagement. His performance serves as a powerful statement, underscoring his potential as a future champion.