When a driver is at the top of the motorsports food chain, getting podium finishes in Formula One, the level of scrutiny one is exposed to is something else. That’s clear with recent criticism of both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen may have missed out on a win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but the reigning Formula 1 world champion showed nothing but respect for Oscar Piastri, who claimed his third victory of the 2025 season.

The Australian driver calmly navigated his way to his third victory of the season, winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and placing himself 10 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris in the driver standings. Piastri is the first Australian driver to lead the championship since his manager, Mark Webber, did so 15 years ago at Red Bull.