Weekend Review: Oscar Piastri’s time, Nadal’s Bastad loss, Team USA’s scare

Oscar Piastri etched his name into Formula1 history, while Rafael Nadal missed the chance to win his first title since 2022. 

Last weekend was another exciting one for sporting fans as they witnessed another exhilarating action across different sports. 

While there was no major football on show following the completion of Euro 2024 and Copa America, it was still one of the most memorable weekends this year for sporting fans. 

From Formula 1 to pre-Olympic basketball games, last weekend had everything in store for sporting fans, 

In usual fashion, we take a look at some of the top sporting moments from last weekend. 

Oscar Piastri is the Hungarian Grand Prix Champion 

Going into the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend, not many would have predicted that Oscar Piastri would be the first to drive past the chequered flag. 

But that was exactly what happened as he won a thrilling and controversial race in Hungary on Sunday. 

The signs were there in Saturday’s qualifying after Lando Norris claimed pole, with Piastri taking second to ensure a McLaren 1-2 start for Sunday’s race. 

Both McLaren drivers showed their intent right from the start, with Norris going off quickly. But it was Piastri who took the lead after turn 1 to set the pace of the race. 

However, Norris could have had the chance to take the number one spot had McLaren not made the decision to pit the British man first. 

The decision to pit Norris first meant Piastri pitted two laps later, re-emerging into the race with fresh tyres, which gave him an advantage over his teammate. 

The advantage eventually paid off as he went on to take his first grand prix in his 35th start on the F1 grid. 

Meanwhile, Norris managed to hold off Lewis Hamilton to ensure a McLaren 1-2 finish. Hamilton, who was involved in a collision with Max Verstappen, finished third to complete the podium. 

This year’s leader and defending champion, Verstappen, finished fifth, but it is subject to review as he is still under investigation for his involvement in the clash with Hamilton. 

The drama continues this weekend, with the train moving to Spa-Francorchamps.

Nadal loses in Bastad

It was not to be for Rafael Nadal after he suffered a straight-set loss to Nuno Borges in the final of the Nordea Open.

Nadal skipped Wimbledon to play this tournament as he attempts to ramp up his fitness level ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

The decision was a well-thought-out one as the transition from clay to grass and then clay would have been difficult for Nadal. 

Nadal looked good going into the final, but back-to-back three sets in the quarterfinal and semifinal took its toll on his body. 

The former World No. 1 was a shadow of his former self as he struggled to hold serve. Borges was a man on a mission, giving Nadal no chance. 

The Portuguese World No. 27 took the first set 6-2 before going to win the second 6-3 for his first maiden ATP title. 

Team USA suffer South Sudan scare 

The world almost witnessed one of the greatest sporting upsets in sports history last Saturday after South Sudan pushed the United States Men’s basketball team all the way in their pre-Olympic warmup at the O2 arena.

The USA were the massive favourite going into the clash but they trailed by 14 points going into halftime. 

Although the USA came back in the second half, South Sudan never went away, pushing the USA until the last second. 

The USA eventually sealed the win 101-100, but it was South Sudan’s performance that grabbed the headlines.