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

Shanghai, stage of a stunning weekend

The return of the Chinese Grand Prix after several years away did not disappoint. On the Shanghai International Circuit, the 24 drivers went head to head 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 show.

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 played its cards masterfully.

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

From qualifying onwards, the tone was set. 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 had been the favourite after his win in Australia.

This result shows the excellent work McLaren did over the winter: a stable car, fast in every sector, and above all a team brimming with confidence. Further back, Verstappen could do no better than fifth, while the Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc stayed in the mix without shining.

⚡ A controlled start and a flawless race for McLaren

On Sunday, it was all decided at the start. Piastri got away perfectly, handled the first corners calmly and immediately set his pace. Russell, aggressive, tried to pass him at the first corner, without success. Norris, more strategic, kept his distance but stayed within DRS range throughout the first stint.

Lap after lap, the McLarens pulled away from their pursuers. Red Bull seemed to struggle, and Mercedes could not keep up with the pace. The only suspense came from a small technical issue on Norris's car 10 laps from the finish, but the Briton managed to keep things under control and crossed the line in second place.

The result: a historic one-two for McLaren, the 50th in its F1 history. A dazzling performance that strengthens its position as favourite for the constructors' title.

❌ Ferrari: from hope to total disillusion

For Ferrari, it was a complete disaster. After a solid but unspectacular 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: both drivers were disqualified for technical reasons.

Hamilton was penalised for excessive wear on the floor plank of his SF-25, a problem already known in the past but one the team seemed to have solved. As for Leclerc, his car was simply judged too light at the end of the race, a clear breach of the regulations.

These two disqualifications tarnish an already average performance by the Scuderia and highlight a very worrying start to the season for the tifosi. Inside the team, tension is rising, and eyes are already turning to Japan in the hope of a rebound.

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📊 Final classification 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: classification adjusted after the disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc.

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

Thanks to this victory, Oscar Piastri steps into 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, combined with a formidable McLaren, makes him a direct threat to Verstappen.

Lando Norris, for his part, keeps his place as championship leader, carried by his consistency and race intelligence. Two races in, McLaren looks like the most complete team on the grid, both technically and strategically.

🚀 Next stop: Japan and the challenges of Suzuka

All eyes are now on the legendary Suzuka circuit in Japan. A fast, demanding track where every mistake is costly. Can Mercedes turn its podium into a win? Will Red Bull bare its teeth? And above all, can Ferrari restore its credibility? The answer comes in two weeks.

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