In a stunning display of dominance, Oscar Piastri becomes the 20th driver in history to win 3 out of the first 5 Grand Prix races of the season. With victories in China, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, Piastri has surged to the top of the drivers’ World Championship standings, dethroning Lando Norris and potentially shaking up McLaren’s hierarchy. Despite a minor slip in Melbourne, the Australian’s races have been flawless, showcasing superior skill and confidence compared to his teammates.
As Piastri leads the World Championship, a position no Australian has held since 2010, the burning question arises: does the 2001-born racer possess the prowess to defend his lead? Predictions remain elusive, given his unprecedented position and the looming threat of the formidable Max Verstappen trailing by only 12 points. History may provide some insight – the 2025 season marks the 40th time in 76 seasons where a driver has won at least three of the first five Grand Prix races. An astounding 85% of the time, the driver in question has gone on to claim the World Championship at the end of the year.
However, there have been exceptions to this pattern, involving six illustrious drivers who clinched three victories but failed to secure the ultimate prize. Notable among them are Jim Clark in 1964, Emerson Fittipaldi in 1973, Niki Lauda in 1976, Alain Prost in 1988, Ayrton Senna in 1989, and most recently, Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Hamilton’s rollercoaster season, marked by wins in Sakhir, Portimão, and Montmeló, ended in heartbreak due to a controversial decision in Abu Dhabi, a haunting memory for Ferrari fans and a dark chapter in Formula 1’s history.
Piastri’s meteoric rise to the top, the historical precedents, and the looming threat from Verstappen set the stage for an electrifying remainder of the season, with the young Australian aiming to defy the odds and etch his name in the annals of racing greatness.
