Piastri thrilled to score first Formula 1 victory

For the first time in Formula 1, Oscar Piastri crossed the line as a winner having held off 2023 world champion Max Verstappen in the Qatar Sprint.

In a crazy race defined by tyre management, incidents and three Safety Car periods, Piastri held his nerve to win by 1.8s over Verstappen to add the latest chapter to what has already been a stunning rookie season.

The 19-lap Sprint was far from simple for the Aussie, who nailed the start but lost the lead to George Russell at the midpoint and the Brit pulled away to as far as 1.4s.

However, the Mercedes struggled to make the Softs live with McLaren’s call to run Mediums an inspired one.

Piastri romped clear of Russell at the final Safety Car restart and was never challenged by even Verstappen to pull off a special Sprint win and turn the tables from Spa when the Aussie led but was second best.

Piastri was elated to be a winner in Formula 1.

“I am very happy. It was a very eventful race,” he said. 

“When all the guys on Softs came through at the start of the race I thought we were in a bit of trouble, but then their tyres fell off pretty quickly, so that was good. 

“The Safety Car was definitely my friend today, especially once Max got behind me.

“I thought once Max got through into second, I was going to be in a bit of trouble, but the pace was good.

“I managed the tyres well and the first Sprint win feels pretty cool.”

Piastri has a bigger challenge ahead in tonight’s Qatar Grand Prix, but is well within reach of a podium starting from sixth.

A Piastri victory is the perfect way to begins Bathurst Day, while the Qatar Grand Prix begins at 04.00 AEDT.

Photo by Steven Tee / LAT Images

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