BREAKING: Oscar Piastri Calls on FIA to Resolve Frustrating Issue after…read more
BREAKING: Oscar Piastri Call on FIA to Resolve Frustrating Issue after…read more
Oscar Piastri has called on Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, to investigate and resolve a misleading light issue at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which momentarily caused him to back off the throttle during a key phase of the race. The McLaren driver admitted he mistook a flashing red light on a nearby building for a red flag signal a potentially dangerous misunderstanding that could have had significant consequences.
The 24-year-old secured his third win of the 2025 season in Jeddah, overtaking early leader Max Verstappen following the Red Bull driver’s five-second penalty. Piastri’s win also saw him climb to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings for the first time in his Formula 1 career, sitting 10 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris as the grid looks ahead to the next race in Miami on May 4.
Despite the triumph, Piastri admitted that his race could have been impacted early on by an off-track visual distraction. “I saw it on lap four or five and I actually thought it was a red flag,” he explained. “So I backed off about a tenth of a second. But then I saw it again later in the race and thought, ‘this is annoying’.”
He emphasized the need for the FIA to ensure trackside signals are clearly distinguishable from surrounding lights and structures, especially in night races like the one in Jeddah. “These things might seem small, but in high-pressure racing situations, any confusion can affect concentration, pace, or even safety. I hope they take a look at it before we return here next year.”
The incident came during a race that was already under scrutiny due to a red flag caused by a collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly, and the post-race headlines were dominated by Max Verstappen’s penalty for gaining an unfair advantage off-track during his battle with Piastri at Turn 1.
Piastri’s performance once again showcased his growing confidence and consistency behind the wheel, and his call for action underlines the professionalism with which he is approaching life at the top of the championship.
As the McLaren team enjoys a strong start to the season, their star driver is clearly not letting success distract him from the details—calling for improvements to ensure safety and fairness remain a top priority for the sport.
