2025 Chinese Grand Prix: McLaren hits hard, Ferrari collapses in Shanghai

Shanghai, the scene of a stunning weekend

The return of the Chinese Grand Prix after several years of absence did not disappoint. At the Shanghai International Circuit, the 24 drivers battled it out on one of the most technical tracks on the calendar. Between long straights, tight corners, and complex strategies, everything was in place for a memorable spectacle.

But what few had anticipated was the total domination of McLaren , led by an impressive duo: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris . In a race marked by upheavals, disqualifications and uncertain weather, the British team managed to pull off a masterly performance.

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🏎️ Piastri on pole, Norris in ambush: a Saturday full of promise

The tone was set right from the start of qualifying. To everyone's surprise, Oscar Piastri took his first pole position in Formula 1, ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and his teammate Lando Norris , who was the favorite after his victory in Australia.

This result illustrates the excellent work carried out by McLaren this winter: a stable car, fast in all sectors, and above all a team that exudes confidence. Behind, Verstappen could do no better than fifth, while the Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc remained in the running, without shining.

⚡ A controlled start and a clear race for McLaren

On Sunday, everything came down to the start. Piastri got off to a perfect start , calmly managed the first few corners and immediately set his pace. Russell , aggressive, tried to overtake him at the first corner, without success. Norris , more strategic, kept his distance but remained within the DRS window throughout the first stint.

As the laps progressed, the McLarens widened their gap on their pursuers. Red Bull seemed to be struggling, and Mercedes was unable to maintain the pace set. The only suspense came from a minor technical issue on Norris's car with 10 laps to go, but the Briton managed to control the situation and cross the line in second place.

The result: a historic double for McLaren , the 50th in its history in F1. A brilliant performance that strengthens its position as favorite for the constructors' title.

❌ Ferrari: from hope to total disillusionment

For Ferrari, it was a complete disaster . After a solid but lackluster race, Lewis Hamilton initially finished fifth, ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc . But a few hours after the end of the race, the verdict came down: both drivers were disqualified for technical reasons.

Hamilton was penalized for excessive wear on the floor of his SF-25 – a problem that had been known about in the past, but which the team seemed to have resolved. As for Leclerc, his car was simply deemed too light at the end of the race, which clearly violated the regulations.

These two disqualifications tarnish an already mediocre performance by the Scuderia and highlight a very worrying start to the season for the tifosi. Internally, tensions are rising, and eyes are already turning to Japan for a resurgence.

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📊 Final standings of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

1️⃣ Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 🏆

2️⃣ Lando Norris (McLaren)

3️⃣ George Russell (Mercedes)

4️⃣ Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

5️⃣ Esteban Ocon (Haas)

6️⃣ Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

7️⃣ Alexander Albon (Williams)

8️⃣ Oliver Bearman (Haas)

9️⃣ Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

🔟 Carlos Sainz (Williams)

Note: Ranking adjusted after disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc.

🔥 Consequences: Piastri in the title race, Norris in charge

With this victory, Oscar Piastri enters a new dimension. He is no longer just a young talent: he is a serious contender for the world title . His mastery of the weekend, coupled with a formidable McLaren, makes him a direct threat to Verstappen.

Lando Norris , meanwhile, maintains his championship lead, driven by his consistency and racing intelligence. With two races to go, McLaren appears to be the most complete team on the grid , both technically and strategically.

🚀 Next stop: Japan and the challenges of Suzuka

All the spotlight is now on the legendary Suzuka circuit in Japan. A fast, demanding track where every mistake costs dearly . Will Mercedes be able to turn their podium into a victory? Will Red Bull bare its teeth? And above all, will Ferrari manage to regain its credibility? The answer will be in two weeks.

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