Max Verstappen makes Oscar Piastri title threat judgement after duel defeat

Max Verstappen has outlined Oscar Piastri as having the attributes to fight for the F1 drivers' title this season after losing to the McLaren driver in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

In the pair's first real experience battling each other for victory, it was Piastri who came out victorious after an incident at the first corner. 

Verstappen made a good start from pole position but Piastri was narrowly ahead as they entered Turn 1, with the Dutchman having skipped the opening chicane and remained in the lead. 

He received a five-second time penalty for leaving the circuit and gaining an advantage which, ultimately, handed victory to Piastri and left Verstappen to settle for second. 

The result saw Piastri move into the lead of the championship for the first time. In just his third F1 season, the young Australian has made huge strides under the guidance of his manager Mark Webber – a former Red Bull driver

Verstappen has outlined the importance of Piastri having Webber's support and acknowledged that he likes how the McLaren driver approaches races.

"I think I’ve said it before," Verstappen told select media including RacingNews365. "People forget a little bit – last year was his second year. Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid.

"He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship. 

"And I think with Mark by his side, he’s helping him a lot. It’s great. People learn from their own careers – that’s what I had with my dad [Jos Verstappen], and Mark [Webber] is advising Oscar.

"At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that’s great to see."