Piastri and McLaren expecting "some opposition" at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite dominant start

08:00, 18 Apr
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Oscar Piastri believes that McLaren will have "some opposition" as they search for their fourth win in five races at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Australian took his second win of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, winning by 15 seconds ahead of George Russell in P2, while Lando Norris could only come third.

Norris leads the drivers' standings with 77 points, with Piastri just three points behind him after four races, with the 24-year-old searching for a third race win after winning at the Chinese Grand Prix as well as Bahrain to make a great start to 2025.

Ahead of the race weekend around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the Australian was asked if McLaren were again travelling as the favourite, with Piastri expecting an exciting weekend in the Middle East.

Piastri: 'We will see if Red Bull participates in the battle here'

"It's a bit hard to say at the moment," Piastri explained when asked what is expected to take place in Jeddah, speaking in the paddock to several media sources, including GPblog.

"I think China was a track that was very front-limited, especially on Saturday, and we were still very quick, so I'm not overly concerned. I think with such a high level of grip around here, that was something that would save us in the last couple of years, and I feel like this year, that will potentially save some others, so I'm expecting it to be pretty tight around here.

"It's a layout and kind of track that's similar in corner speed to somewhere like Suzuka for the most part, so we'll see if Red Bull are back in the fight or if anyone else challenges us, but I expect us to be quick, but with some opposition," concluded Piastri.

This article was written in collaboration with Estéban den Toom