Oscar Piastri delivers verdict on race-deciding Max Verstappen incident

Oscar Piastri has said he not going to come out of the first corner in second place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after a controversial start to the race.

The McLaren driver planted his MCL39 down the inside of Max Verstappen, who took to the run-off area on the exit of the turn to maintain his advantage.

The stewards took a dim view of his defence, handing down a five-second time penalty to the Dutchman, which defined the race from thereon-out.

Piastri, whilst assured out front, took the chequered flag by less than three seconds over the Red Bull driver, who opted to cut short his post-race interview with David Coulthard.

"Once I got on the inside, I wasn't coming out of Turn 1 in second," the Australian said reflecting on the incident.

"Obviously, the stewards had to get involved, but I thought I was was plenty far enough up and in the end, that's what got me the race.

"So I'm very, very happy with all the work we've been doing on our starts, and that's what won us the race today."

Piastri in need of a sit down

The result thrusts the 24-year-old into the lead of the drivers' championship on 99 points, 10 points clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris and 12 out from Verstappen.

Nonetheless, it was a difficult race, with the Australian suggesting he was in need of a sofa afterwards.

"Looking for a couch, I think, is the answer," Piastri said to sum up his emotions after his third victory of the season.

"It was a pretty tough race. Very, very happy to have won. Made the the difference at the start, made my case into Turn 1, and that was enough.

"It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn't really stay with Max at the end of the first stint, just chewed up my tyres.

"And then the clean air was nice after the pit stop. So, great race. We did the parts we needed to right. Still need a bit more, I think. Max was a little bit too close for our liking, but a great race and a great weekend."