Formula 1
Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Review: Drama, Disqualifications, and a Weekend Full of Twists in Shanghai
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit delivered a weekend of intense competition, strategic maneuvers, and unforeseen outcomes, impacting teams across the grid.
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix delivered a spectacle packed with drama, redemption, and heartbreak. The Shanghai International Circuit, returning to the F1 calendar with renewed intensity, played host to a weekend that tested the limits of strategy, reliability, and composure. From McLaren’s historic dominance to Ferrari’s crushing disqualification, every corner of the paddock had a story. The rain never arrived, but chaos did — in pit lanes, brake systems, and the stewards’ office. With eight teams scoring points and key contenders faltering under scrutiny, the Chinese Grand Prix reminded the world just how brutal and beautiful Formula 1 can be.
Papaya Perfection: McLaren’s Impeccable Execution
McLaren stole the spotlight with a commanding 1-2 finish, their first in China since 2011 and 50th in team history. Oscar Piastri was clinical from pole, managing a defensive launch into Turn 1 before stretching a lead that only briefly slipped during pit cycles. Despite late-race pressure, he stayed cool.
“It’s been an incredible weekend; the car has been mega the whole time… we’ve secured this result through hard work.”
Teammate Lando Norris fought through a mid-race traffic jam and a heart-stopping late brake issue but brought the car home for P2. “A tough race with tyre management,” Norris admitted, “but the team executed it well.”
Team Principal Andrea Stella praised both drivers: “We were managing an issue towards the end which added some tension, but Lando and the team handled it brilliantly.”
Silver Linings at Mercedes: Russell Leads, Antonelli Learns
George Russell flew the flag for Mercedes, delivering a smooth and strategic drive to finish third — his second podium in as many races. “P3 was the maximum for us today,” he said. “The McLarens were just a little bit too quick.” Russell executed a clever undercut to leapfrog Norris momentarily but ultimately lacked the pace to maintain it.
Russel P3 (Credits: mercedesamgf1)
Rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli wasn’t as lucky. Floor damage from lap one debris left him fighting the car all race. “I struggled with the rear… it definitely hindered my pace,” he said after finishing eighth. Still, both cars scored points, and Mercedes left Shanghai satisfied with steady momentum.
Red Bull’s Recovery: Verstappen Climbs, Lawson Slips
Max Verstappen endured a sluggish start, dropping places early but clawed back to P4 by race’s end — showing once again his ability to maximize difficult days. Red Bull went aggressive with tyre strategy, and while Verstappen managed his mediums and hards well, he never had the pace to challenge McLaren or Mercedes.
“The beginning, it was not easy,” said Verstappen (Credits: Formula1)
Teammate Liam Lawson, however, struggled. A miscalculated setup and balance issues saw him finish outside the points in 12th. The team acknowledged they were “surprised by the lack of grip” and will be looking to regroup quickly ahead of Japan.
There’s speculation in the paddock about Tsunoda swapping teams with Lawson as early as the Japanese Grand Prix. (Credits:formula1)
Ferrari’s Fall: From Points to Penalty
Ferrari’s day unravelled hours after the checkered flag. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified post-race — Leclerc for an underweight car, and Hamilton for excessive plank wear. On track, both had been competitive, with Leclerc in podium contention and Hamilton salvaging points after a tough qualifying. But the stewards’ rulings erased all gains. “It’s gutting,” a Ferrari spokesperson said. “These weren’t performance-enhancing issues, but the rules are the rules.”
The double DQ cost Ferrari a potential double top-six finish and sent shockwaves through the paddock. Meanwhile, the disqualification handed unexpected points to Haas, Williams, and others.
Midfield Madness: Haas, Williams and Alpine Seize the Shake-Up
Haas turned fortune into results. Esteban Ocon, cool and consistent, finished fifth, while rookie Oliver Bearman brought it home in P8 after Hamilton and Leclerc’s DQs. “A fantastic result for the whole team,” said Haas boss Ayao Komatsu.
Williams had a mixed but encouraging weekend. Albon recovered from a poor start, led briefly during a long first stint, and finished 7th on his birthday after late-race gains and post-race disqualifications. Sainz continued to struggle with pace but his first points for Williams, finishing 10th after disqualifications. Albon praised the team’s progress, saying the points showed “valuable” improvement. Team boss James Vowles credited strong teamwork and backed Sainz to bounce back.
Alpine had a mixed day: Pierre Gasly was disqualified like Leclerc for an underweight car, while Jack Doohan saw points finish slip away due to a five-second penalty for forcing another car off track. The FIA cited “potentially dangerous driving,” bringing Doohan’s total to 5 points — just 7 shy of a race ban. “We’ll regroup, but we’re clearly leaving points on the table,” Alpine admitted. Jack Doohan’s tough weekend in Shanghai got worse post-race, as he was handed 4 penalty points on his super licence.
Points, Pitfalls, and Pain for Aston, Bulls & Sauber
Aston Martin had a bittersweet Sunday. Fernando Alonso was the race’s only retirement, sidelined early by overheating rear brakes. Lance Stroll, however, ran long on hards and was rewarded post-race with P9 after disqualifications. “We just aren’t quick enough,” Stroll admitted, despite battling hard.
Racing Bulls suffered another strategic misfire. Their two-stop gamble backfired in cooler conditions, dropping both cars out of the points. Isack Hadjar finished a close P11, narrowly missing his first F1 point. Yuki Tsunoda’s late front wing failure sealed a forgettable day. “Frustrating,” said Team Principal Laurent Mekies, “but the pace is there.”
Kick Sauber endured a rough opening lap that derailed their race. Nico Hülkenberg picked up floor damage after a wide moment in Turn 3, while rookie Gabriel Bortoleto spun early and spent the race learning the limits. Both cars finished, but out of the points. “Encouraging final stint pace,” said Beat Zehnder, “but still work to do.”
2025 Chinese Grand Prix – 5 Key Highlights
- Oscar Piastri led McLaren to a dominant 1-2 finish ahead of Lando Norris, marking the team’s 50th one-two and first in China since 2011.
- Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Pierre Gasly were disqualified post-race, reshuffling the final results and handing unexpected points to several midfield teams.
- George Russell secured P3 for Mercedes, while Max Verstappen recovered from a poor start to finish fourth; Liam Lawson finished outside the points.
- Esteban Ocon scored a strong P5 for Haas, Albon finished P7 on his birthday for Williams, and Carlos Sainz took his first points with the team.
- Alonso retired early due to brake failure, Stroll was promoted to P9, Racing Bulls’ two-stop strategy backfired again, and both Kick Sauber cars finished outside the points after early setbacks.
Next Race
All eyes now turn to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, where teams will be looking to build momentum or bounce back after Shanghai’s shake-up. The fast, flowing corners of this iconic track demand precision and balance — a true driver’s circuit that often separates the contenders from the midfield. For McLaren, it’s a chance to prove their pace is no fluke. Red Bull and Ferrari will be eager to rebound, especially amid growing speculation of a possible driver swap between Lawson and Tsunoda. With just ten days to reset, the stage is set for another high-stakes showdown in Japan.
Drivers’ Standing
Constructors’ Standings
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The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix that took place on June 1 2025, wrapped up the second triple header of the 75th edition of Formula 1. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya held the last Spanish Grand Prix, as the event is set to relocate to Madrid from 2026.
As two of the three triple headers of this season end, with the McLaren duo separated by 10 points and Max Verstappen breathing down their necks, let’s review how each of the 3-week long racing action has affected the championship battle.
Max, Lando and Oscar [Left to Right] at the Japanese GP 2025
Japan-Bahrain-Saudi Arabia
The opening triple header of the season delivered some great racing action. Max Verstappen proved to the world that he is never out of the championship fight, with his dominant pole-to-victory performance, despite McLaren having the car advantage. The Flying Dutchman marked his 4th consecutive win at Suzuka while the Papaya duo completed the podium. Hadjar gained his first points in Formula 1 in P8.
Oscar Piastri stood at the top step of the podium at Bahrain for his 50th Formula 1 race, delivering McLaren’s first ever win at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The young Australian started at pole and led every lap, showcasing his talent, while his teammate and championship rival, Lando Norris, finished P3 despite his 5-second penalty for a false start. Multiple technical failures and a pit signal fault resulted in Max finishing P6, costing him several championship points. The Dutch wasn’t the only one suffering from technical issues, as George Russell’s Mercedes faced multiple troubles, despite which he finished P2 fending off Norris.
Another weekend, another win for Piastri. This one is even more special as it led to him becoming the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber, his manager, in 2010. Even though Verstappen received a 5-second penalty during the race, he finished P2. Ferrari seemed to finally get back into their rhythm as Charles Leclerc garnered the Italian team’s first podium of the year with a solid P3. Williams’ double points finish marked their surge among the midfield, pushing them up to 5th in the championship.
The triple header ended with Oscar Piastri leading the championship, 7 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who himself was just 5 points ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen. With the top 5 separated by only 30 points, the fight for the championship was on.
Imola-Monaco-Spain
The second and the most recent triple header had all three title contenders win each race. Max Verstappen overtook pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on the first lap to secure his 4th win here, while Lando and Oscar completed the podium. Franco Colapinto, who replaced rookie Jack Doohan from this race onwards, started and finished at P16, delivering a lukewarm debut performance.
At Monaco, Lando Norris secured his first win at the Principality, fending off homeboy Charles Leclerc in P2. Oscar stayed in P3, as most of the grid finished exactly where they qualified, apart from Fernando Alonso, claiming to be “the unluckiest driver”, who retired from P6 due to an engine failure.
Lando after his win at the Monaco GP (Credits: Formula 1)
The latest race, the Spanish Grand Prix, delivered equal parts of racing and drama. All was well till lap 60 when the safety car came out. RedBull pitted Max for a fourth time and sent him out with brand new hard tires, which, due to not warming up properly for the restart, led him to lose a position to Leclerc. Another incident with Russell resulted in Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase requesting him to let the Briton through. Initially refusing, on lap 64, Max appeared to let Russell go past him, but swerved into him on turn 5, causing a collision.
This unnecessary action and RedBull pit wall’s questionable decisions resulted in Verstappen being handed a 10-second penalty and 3 penalty points, which critically impacted his championship battle. Nico Hulkenberg in his Sauber, overtook 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari on the penultimate lap, securing a P5 finish. Fernando Alonso also ended his pointless run, garnering 2 points at his home grand prix. The McLaren duo clinched a 1-2 finish, avoiding all the drama behind them.
The second triple header ends with Ferrari shooting up two places to reach P2 in the Constructors’ Championship Standings, although McLaren leads with a comfortable 197 points.
The Drivers’ Championship is very close, with Norris only 10 points behind the leader Piastri. Max, however, due to his 10-second penalty, lags by 49 points, staying at P3.
The next and final triple header consists of the last three races of this season: Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi. As the championship stands, it’s fair to speculate that the battle could go on till the final triple header. As we lie in wait till the next race weekend in Canada, let’s enjoy the on and off-track drama unfolding in front of our eyes.
Will Oscar Piastri be the first Australian World Champion since Alan Jones in 1980, or will teammate Lando Norris be successful in retaking the lead of the championship? Never count Max Verstappen out, as he also has the chance to defend his title. Any mid-season upgrades could bring George Russell or Charles Leclerc to the fight as well. The prestigious 75th anniversary of Formula 1 is definitely providing some great battles, which unfortunately can only be won by one.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
The anticipation is building as the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix approaches, bringing Formula 1 back to the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Set against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, this high-speed, high-stakes race is a mid-season favourite known for dramatic overtakes, unpredictable weather, and passionate fans. With championship battles heating up and teams pushing the limits of performance, the 2025 edition promises another thrilling chapter in Canada’s rich motorsport history. Here’s a look at what to expect as the engines roar back to life in one of F1’s most beloved venues.
About The Track
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers a technically demanding layout that balances high-speed sections with heavy braking zones. Turns 1 and 2 require precise throttle control and set the tone for the lap.
The Turn 10 hairpin is a critical overtaking point, featuring one of the heaviest braking zones on the calendar and leading onto a 1.2 km straight where DRS can be deployed. This back straight leads to the final chicane (Turns 13 and 14), where late braking offers a chance to pass, though drivers must be cautious of the infamous “Wall of Champions” on exit. A second DRS zone along the main straight aids slipstreaming into Turn 1, making the circuit a prime venue for intense and strategic battles on track and in the pit lane.
Pirelli’s Specifications
For the #CanadianGP, the softest trio of compounds will feature on track. That means that the C6 will be in use, alongside its closest relatives, the C5 as Medium and the C4 as Hard. Read more here 👉https://t.co/DlTqNkvtUn #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZWjgybDVjW
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) June 9, 2025
Pirelli has selected the softest compounds on the spectrum, meaning the C6 (soft), C5 (medium), and C4 (hard) compound tires will be in use throughout the weekend.
Track Evolution being on a 5/5 rating denotes that times will tumble on Saturday during the Qualifying session, so drivers will need to be consistent on every lap.
Stories This Weekend
Piastri With The Momentum
Oscar Piastri led a controversial Spanish Grand Prix from start to finish, keeping his distance from his rivals. He leads the Drivers Championship by 10 points over his teammate, a battle that will continue to run till the end of the season. The Aussie is very much in contention for his first-ever title, so he will need any and every win he can get. That’s what he’s going to be gunning for in Montreal.
European triple ✅
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 9, 2025
Focused on Canada 👊#McLaren | #CanadianGP 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZQg11idjPa
Max Nears A Ban
Max Verstappen is now just 1 penalty point away from a Race Ban, which presents an opportunity for Arvid Lindbald to potentially make his F1 debut for VCARB, and Isack Hadjar a seat in the senior Red Bull team.
Notably, Isack Hadjar has scored more points than Max Verstappen has in the last 2 races.
Stroll At Home
Lance Stroll withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix following a concern about his wrist injury from 2023. He is now preparing to hit the ground running and score some points at his home race.
A taste of home.@lance_stroll brought the team together last night at one of his favourite Montreal spots, Lester’s Deli. 💚 pic.twitter.com/cZL3yzgiH3
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) June 12, 2025
200 Races For Haas
The American Team achieves a landmark 200 race appearances. They have prepared special race suits for this occasion and, of course, a special livery. With a race so close to home, the pair of Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon will be gunning for the top 10.
Suited up like it’s 2016 👌
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) June 12, 2025
Celebrating 200 races with full throwback race suits 🤩#HaasF1 #F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/zvaHjsGm3i
2026 Calendar Reveal
See you next year 🔥🇦🇺 https://t.co/bwVogdR7pj
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) June 10, 2025
Weekend Schedule
📅 | Here is the Weekend Schedule for Formula 1's Canadian GP and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
— Desi Racing Co (@DesiRacingco) June 11, 2025
Note: All timings mentioned are in 🇮🇳 Indian Standard Time.#f1 #Formula1 #CanadianGP #WEC #LeMans24h pic.twitter.com/Hg6Es0G2du
Weather Forecast
Friday: 18°C, Wind 6 km/h, 1% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 1% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 9 km/h, 2% chance of rain.
Conditions seem to be stable, allowing for consistent data throughout practice sessions and the race.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Piastri For The Win, McLaren Double Podium, Max Receives 3 Penalty Points: 2025 Spanish GP Review
Oscar Piastri delivered a masterclass in Barcelona, capping off a rollercoaster triple-header with a dominant win at the Spanish Grand Prix. The weekend was filled with uncertainty following the FIA’s new Technical Directive clamping down on flexi-wings, forcing every team except McLaren to scramble with upgrades. In the end, it was Piastri who capitalised on the chaos.
Piastri was in a league of his own all weekend, topping two of three practice sessions, grabbing pole with the largest margin of the season, and controlling the race from lights to flag. Calm, calculated, and clinical—this was a coming-of-age drive from the Aussie, who now leads the World Drivers’ Championship by 10 points.
Teammate Lando Norris made it a McLaren front row lockout, though he briefly lost P2 to Max Verstappen at the start. A smooth move down the inside of Turn 1 reclaimed the spot, and Norris brought the car home for a strong 1-2 finish, underlining McLaren’s dominance.
Embed from Getty Images
Max Verstappen Nears A Race Ban
Max Verstappen’s weekend was turbulent. He qualified P3 and had a lightning start to slot into P2, but that was as good as it got. Red Bull’s risky 3-stop strategy was undone by a late Safety Car, forcing Max onto hard tyres no one else dared to use.
A flurry of battles followed, and contact with George Russell. The stewards slapped Verstappen with a 10-second penalty and 3 penalty points, leaving him just one point away from a race ban. The reigning champ now walks a razor’s edge heading into Montreal.
Leclerc Lands A Top 3
Charles Leclerc fought his way from a P7 start to finish third, claiming his first-ever Spanish GP podium. A strong opening lap and a razor-sharp Safety Car restart helped him leapfrog Verstappen.
His teammate Lewis Hamilton had a contrasting story. After qualifying P5, he was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg late in the race and finished P6. Post-race, a dejected Hamilton said there were “no positives” to take from the weekend.
The first podium in Spain for @Charles_Leclerc! 🤩🥉#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/oiEtNgOuK2
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 1, 2025
Merc’s Bittersweet Weekend
George Russell had a quietly strong weekend, qualifying P4 and securing P4 in the race, surviving the Verstappen clash and banking valuable points. Rookie Kimi Antonelli wasn’t as lucky. An engine failure forced his retirement, marking the first time in triple-header history that a Mercedes driver failed to score points.
Sauber In The Top 5
Sauber shocked the paddock. Nico Hülkenberg, starting P15, carved his way through the field with some smart overtakes and Safety Car timing to finish P5, his best result since 2019. Teammate Bortoleto also impressed, showing glimpses of pace before fading late.
Two Sides Of The Home Race
For Spanish fans, it was a weekend of extremes. Carlos Sainz suffered a Q1 exit and could only recover to P14, yet another home race disappointment for Williams. Albon also had a disappointing weekend, contact when being overtaken resulted in front wing damage, forcing him to retire.
Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, gave the crowd something to cheer about. With daring late-race moves, he scored his first points of the season, offering a glimmer of hope for Aston Martin. Lance Stroll, still managing a wrist issue from 2023, withdrew before lights out, casting doubt on his home GP appearance in Canada.
Race Results
After all that drama… let's take a look at our top 🔟 in Spain! 🇪🇸⬇️#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/Ces37N1VtF
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 1, 2025
Standings
How do things now stand… 🤔
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 1, 2025
Here are the all-important drivers' standings to tell us! 📊#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/mhrV4bU2zu
Ferrari jump up to P2 in the standings!.. 📈
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 1, 2025
…And there's several other movements throughout the field 👀#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/vIzJ5asbvm
Next Race Weekend In Montreal
Oscar Piastri now leads the WDC by 10 points over his teammate, and both McLarens will be looking to extend their lead at the top
Max will need to keep his nose clean, as with just 1 more penalty point, he will be banned for a race.
Home Hero Lance Stroll is still doubtful to appear at his home race, which means one of Aston Martin’s reserves may get an opportunity to prove themselves.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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