Oscar Piastri has emerged as the front runner at McLaren despite technically being considered the number 2 driver within the team. McLaren currently sits atop the constructors and drivers standings as Oscar Piastri has led the team thus far this season to 3 consecutive wins and shown no signs of slowing down. Piastri has made it clear that he is no number 2 driver and that he is just as capable as Norris at winning a world championship.
Despite starting on Pole Max Verstappen wasn’t able to get the job done. The McLarens proved to be too much and by lap 17 both McLarens had made it past him. Piastri was the fastest man on track and after the pit stops rolled in Piastri was able to capitalize on track position under the virtual safety car. From then on he took off at the front and would never be caught again.
Piastri said, “It’s a great feeling to have won the race today, one I really wanted to win! Clearly the car was unbelievable today and we were able to use that pace advantage. That’s down to everyone here trackside and the whole team at the factory putting in an incredible amount of hard work to get us to where we are now. As always, there’s lots of learnings to take away from the weekend but I’m very, very happy to be leaving Miami on top.”
With the win Piastri surpasses Lando Norris in number of F1 wins at 6 wins. McLaren haven’t publicly committed to one driver’s efforts for winning the championship. The team can’t ask for more as they continue to finish 1-2 and firther extend their championship lead. The ascension is reminiscent of the recent championship runnings of Red Bull and Mercedes whom both had extended dynasties int he past 15 years.