Piastri hails Chinese GP victory as ‘what I deserved last week’ after Australia disappointment

Oscar Piastri was left delighted after taking his first win of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix, with the McLaren driver stating that the result was “what I feel like I deserved from last week” following the disappointing outcome of his race last time out in Australia.

It was an assured drive to victory for Piastri in Shanghai, who led from pole position off the line before going on to build a gap to team mate Lando Norris and seal a 1-2 finish for the squad amid both of the outfit’s drivers managing to complete a one-stop strategy.

With Piastri missing out on a good points haul last weekend after ending the season-opening Australian Grand Prix down in ninth – due to an off in the wet conditions dropping him down the order – the 23-year-old was asked if his triumph in China marked the start of his title campaign.

“I hope so!” Piastri responded. “It’s been an incredible weekend from start to finish. The car’s been pretty mega the whole time. I think today was a bit of a surprise with how the tyres behaved but just super proud of the whole weekend.

Race Highlights: 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

“This is what I feel like I deserved from last week, so [I’m] extremely happy. The team did a mega job, 1-2 obviously. Very, very happy.”

Much of the focus during the 56-lap encounter centred around whether drivers would opt for a one or two-stop strategy and, when quizzed on whether the tyre wear had been less of an issue than expected on Sunday, Piastri reflected: “Yes, I think on the medium it was still a bit tricky, but much better than yesterday.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the Chinese GP as Piastri takes victory

“The hard was a much better tyre than everyone expected, or certainly than we expected. To go all the way to the end like that was a bit of a surprise, but a happy surprise.

“Very proud of the race we managed to pull off – it wasn’t an easy one going in, and [I’m] just proud of the whole team and the weekend I’ve been able to pull off.”

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 23: Race winner Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 — Piastri has taken his first victory of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix

And after claiming during the post-Qualifying press conference on Saturday that he has 1/16th Chinese heritage, Piastri took a moment to thank the fans watching on at the Shanghai International Circuit.

“It’s not a joke by the way, I do have Chinese heritage somewhere!” the three-time race winner said with a smile. “Thanks for the support, the crowd’s been exceptional this week. There’s a few too many Lewis Hamilton fans, but we’ll convert you next year!”

GALLERY: Drivers and teams gather to pay tribute to Eddie Jordan ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

The result moves Piastri up to fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship on 34 points – with Norris still leading on 44 – while McLaren have already built a 25-point lead over Mercedes in the Teams’ standings.