Oscar Piastri won his first Formula One race at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in spectacular fashion, taking advantage of Max Verstappen’s post-race time penalty. The Red Bull driver had reached the finish line first, but was demoted to second place after receiving a five-second penalty for multiple track restriction violations. The penalty gave Piastri the victory, marking a momentous event for both the young Australian and McLaren.
Verstappen started the race on pole and led into the first corner. Piastri, who started third, remained close to the frontrunners, including George Russell. McLaren’s aggressive two-stop plan proved to be more effective than Red Bull’s three-stop strategy. The tactic paid off, allowing Piastri to pass Russell and stay inside striking distance of Verstappen, keeping a lead of about two seconds.
The critical moment occurred on lap 55 of 66, when Verstappen was investigated for violating track limits at Turns 9 and 12. After four violations, he received a five-second penalty, dropping him to second and crowned Piastri as the surprise winner. Verstappen was frustrated, but accepted the decision, admitting he had pushed too much.
Piastri’s victory was monumental, as it was his fifth of the season and made him the first Australian to win since Daniel Ricciardo in 2021. It was also McLaren’s first win in the Spanish Grand Prix since Mika Häkkinen in 2000. Piastri congratulated his team, stating the car felt strong throughout the weekend and that the victory was “incredible.”
However, the post-race drama did not end there. A late safety car, precipitated by Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli’s engine failure, resulted in a disputed restart. Red Bull had supplied Verstappen with hard tyres, while the rest of the field had chosen softs. The Dutchman was quickly threatened.
Verstappen suffered a near-spin at the penultimate circuit, but managed to keep off Leclerc, who made light touch as he rejoined the racing line. The stewards reviewed the event but did not take any action. Shortly afterwards, George Russell attacked Verstappen at Turn 1, causing contact. Verstappen clipped the corner and held the position, but his engineer ordered him to give it back under existing overtaking rules.
The final blow occurred at Turn 5. Verstappen appeared to give Russell space, only to dart back inside and contact with the Mercedes. The action resulted in a 10-second penalty and three penalty points, dropping him from fifth to tenth place and putting him one point away from a race ban.
Charles Leclerc took third place, followed by Russell in fourth. Nico Hulkenberg surprised Sauber by finishing fifth, passing Lewis Hamilton, who battled with control in the last segment. Ferrari manager Fred Vasseur later revealed Hamilton’s car had an undisclosed problem that hampered his speed. Isack Hadjar finished seventh for Racing Bulls, followed by Gasly, Alonso, and the punished Verstappen in tenth.
The victory puts Piastri at the top of the standings, 10 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, with Verstappen 49 points back after a wild race. McLaren’s one-two result reduces the Constructors’ lead over Red Bull to just 23 points, tightening what was previously a one-sided championship.
The title fight is heating up as Austria, Silverstone, and Spa come up next. Piastri’s ascension, McLaren’s rebirth, Mercedes’ improved form, and Verstappen’s rising pressure have all contributed to a captivating midseason narrative. F1 fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
