WATCH: Oscar Piastri's cat like reflexes to take lead at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

In a thrilling sequence of events at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren's Oscar Piastri showcased his remarkable racecraft and sharp reflexes, catapulting him into the race lead. The young Australian’s stunning manoeuvre on Lap 20 not only left the fans in awe but also cemented his place as a future star in Formula 1.

The drama started to unfold when Carlos Sainz, running in second, pitted on Lap 18. This allowed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to retake the lead. Meanwhile, Piastri, who had already made a daring move to overtake Alex Albon on the main straight, surged into second position, just a second behind Leclerc. Sensing an opportunity, Piastri, showing immense composure and determination, bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

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On Lap 20, Piastri executed what could easily be described as the overtake of the race. As the cars stormed down the main straight, Piastri lined up behind Charles Leclerc, coming from far back. In a display of nerve and precision, he dove down the inside at Turn 1, pulling off a breathtaking move. 

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Leclerc, known for his defensive prowess, fought hard to reclaim the position, but Piastri’s cool under pressure kept the Ferrari driver at bay. With that, Piastri claimed the lead, sending the McLaren garage into celebration.

Leclerc’s frustration was evident as he struggled to maintain pace with Piastri, telling his team, “They are pushing like crazy or they have more grip than us,” acknowledging the intense battle at the front. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez had also joined the fight, slipping past Albon into third and closing in on Leclerc, setting the stage for a three-way battle for victory.

As the race approached its halfway point, Oscar Piastri’s cat-like reflexes and fearless overtaking were the talk of the paddock. His ability to seize the lead in such a high-pressure moment highlighted his potential as a top contender in Formula 1, proving that he can stand toe-to-toe with the sport’s biggest names.