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Piastri Shines with Verstappen’s Praise After Saudi Arabia Win

Oscar Piastri has garnered significant attention following his unexpected victory in Saudi Arabia, receiving high praise from reigning world champion Max Verstappen. This recent success marks Piastri’s third win of the season, propelling him ahead of his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, by 10 points in the championship standings. Norris, who was initially viewed as a strong contender for the title, finds himself in a challenging position as Piastri emerges as a leading candidate for the championship title.

After Piastri’s impressive performance in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen expressed his admiration for the young driver, highlighting the advantages of Piastri’s collaboration with his manager, Mark Webber. It’s noteworthy that Webber was the last Australian driver to hold the F1 drivers’ championship lead back in 2010, showcasing his competitive spirit during his tenure in the sport. The experiences that Webber brings to the table seem to be instrumental in shaping Piastri’s promising career trajectory.

Reflecting on Piastri’s development, Verstappen noted the calm demeanor that characterizes the Australian’s approach on the track. He remarked, “Last year was his [Piastri’s] second year. Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid. He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on the track.” According to Verstappen, Piastri’s ability to minimize mistakes while delivering strong performances is crucial for any driver vying for the championship. The collaboration with Webber, someone who has faced the circuit’s challenges firsthand, is proving beneficial as well.

Webber, who took on the role of Piastri’s manager alongside his partner Ann in 2019, has been pivotal in guiding the young racer. Piastri’s journey to F1 began with a string of impressive victories in the Eurocup, where he clinched seven wins out of 19 races. Recognizing the need for expert guidance, Piastri’s father and close friend sought Webber’s mentorship. They connected through sports scientist Simon Sostaric, who was familiar with both Webber and the Piastri family.

In a recent discussion on the F1 Nation podcast, Webber underscored how Piastri has stepped up to challenge the formidable forces of his competitors, including Verstappen. After Piastri’s win in Bahrain the week before Saudi Arabia, Webber commented on the importance of converting pole positions into victories, particularly against drivers of such caliber. He emphasized that the learning process is ongoing for Piastri, advising him to embrace the journey and keep improving: “You have the most experience the day you retire, so keep learning.”

As Piastri continues to evolve as a driver, the anticipation surrounding his future in Formula 1 grows. With Verstappen’s endorsement and Webber’s mentorship, the young Australian seems poised for even greater successes ahead.

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