It was the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix’s critical juncture. And no, it was not the controversial lap-one clash between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, officiated fairly and promptly by the stewards, who handed the Red Bull driver a five-second penalty. Of course, the punishment was a pivotal verdict. But it was not the pivotal moment.

Oscar Piastri has shown he has the pace to fight for the Formula 1 title. In winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, he showed he can win an argument, too.

Oscar Piastri put in an impressive victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, securing his third win of the season to take the lead in the drivers’ championship. The McLaren driver managed the race perfectly, building and maintaining an advantage on title rival (and penalty-stricken) Max Verstappen.