Piastri triumphs in Baku: Win propels McLaren to Championship lead
Monday, 16 September 2024
Piastri's impressive start saw him seize the lead.
Oscar Piastri clinched his second Formula 1® victory in a thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix, catapulting McLaren to the top of the Constructors' Championship. The Australian's masterful performance, coupled with teammate Lando Norris's impressive climb from 15th to 4th, marked a significant milestone in McLaren's remarkable turnaround.
The Baku City Circuit has been the stage for many dramatic races, and this year's event was no exception. Piastri's journey from his second-place qualifying position to the top step of the podium showcased his growing prowess and the team's strategic acumen.
Advertisement
As the lights went out, Piastri held his position, maintaining a clean start from P2. The real drama unfolded mid-race when, after his pit stop on Lap 15, Piastri found himself in striking distance of race leader Charles Leclerc. In a bold move that would define the race, Piastri overtook Leclerc into Turn 1, seizing the lead and never looking back.
"After the stop, I saw we were pretty close again, and I felt like we had a little bit of extra grip. I had to go for it because I knew that if I didn't get past at the start of the stint, I was never going to get past," Piastri explained. His daring overtake proved to be the pivotal moment of the race.
The final laps were not without tension. Leclerc mounted significant pressure on Piastri, while a collision between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez after Turn 1 brought out the Virtual Safety Car, under which the race concluded.
Reflecting on his victory, Piastri was elated: "P1! I'm so happy to have won my second Grand Prix. This is the best win of my career. I'm proud of what we did today." He added, "We're now leading the World Championship. It's a massive team effort and everyone at McLaren deserves full credit for the turnaround that's happened in my 18 months here."
Norris's charge through the field was equally impressive. Starting from 15th, he carved his way up to 5th by Lap 14, eventually finishing 4th and securing the fastest lap of the race. "I think I had a great race. I got fastest lap and a good number of points from where we were so I'm very happy," Norris commented.
Team Principal Andrea Stella praised both drivers' performances: "Oscar's performance throughout the race was exceptional, and to take the lead in the way that he did is proof of what a special driver he is. Lando also completed an impressive comeback after starting out of position through no fault of his own."
This victory not only cements Piastri's status as a rising star in Formula 1® but also highlights McLaren's remarkable progress. From struggling at the back of the grid at the start of 2023 to leading the Constructors' Championship, the team's transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Oscar’s Grand Prix by the numbers
- Qualified: 2nd
- Race: 1st
- Fastest lap: 1:47.060 on Lap 47
- Points this event: 25
- Points this season: 222 (4th)
