Manama : McLaren driver Oscar Piastri secured a notable victory in the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, marking his 50th career race in the championship and moving up to second in the Drivers’ Championship, three points behind teammate Lando Norris.
The Australian became the first driver to claim two wins this season after four rounds, delivering McLaren’s first victory at Bahrain International Circuit, home to the team’s majority owners.
Norris finished third despite starting from sixth on the grid and receiving a five-second penalty for a false start.
Mercedes driver George Russell held on to second place after a close battle with Norris in the final laps, although race stewards are investigating the possible use of DRS outside designated zones.
Piastri, who finished 15.499 seconds ahead of his rivals despite a Safety Car that reduced his lead, said: “It’s been an incredible weekend, starting with a strong performance in qualifying. We managed to complete the job today. This win means a lot considering the team’s ownership and the fact that this track hasn’t been favourable for us in the past.”
Norris now leads the Drivers’ Championship with 77 points, followed by Piastri on 74. McLaren top the Constructors’ Standings with 151 points, ahead of Mercedes on 93.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in fifth.
Reigning four-time World Champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull came sixth, having entered the race one point behind Norris following his victory in Japan. Pierre Gasly earned Alpine’s first points of the season in seventh.
Despite a crash in qualifying, Esteban Ocon of Haas finished eighth, followed by Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda in ninth.
British rookie Oliver Bearman completed the top ten after starting from the back of the grid.
