By James Broughton, March 23, 2025
Oscar Piastri secured victory in the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, capitalizing on the superiority of his McLaren and the advantage of clean air to cruise to a comfortable win over his rivals. Championship leader Lando Norris, battling race-long brake issues, managed to secure second place, giving McLaren a double podium and capping off a successful weekend for the team.
Piastri appeared in control throughout the race, but Norris made early gains, moving up from third to second on the opening lap after a battle with George Russell’s Mercedes.
With the McLarens clearly holding the pace advantage, Norris was able to reclaim third from Russell after a pit stop, ensuring the team maintained its dominance. The real fight, however, was for the “best of the rest” position. That honour went to George Russell, who fought his way back to third after Max Verstappen succumbed to the reality of having the third-best car on the grid.
Both Ferraris finished a distant fifth and sixth but were later disqualified for breaching post-race scrutineering and technical regulations. The Chinese Grand Prix further cemented McLaren’s position as the team to beat, though the balance of power could shift from race to race depending on which team—McLaren or Ferrari—maximizes its package over a Grand Prix weekend.
For now, the 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be a two-way battle between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
2025 Chinese Grand Prix: Results
1 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:30:55.026 56 laps
2 Lando Norris McLaren +9.748
3 George Russell Mercedes +11.097
4 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +16.656
5 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +23.211
6 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +25.381
7 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team +49.969
8 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +53.748
9 Alexander Albon Williams +56.321
10 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team +61.303
11 Pierre Gasly Alpine +67.195
12 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +70.204
13 Carlos Sainz Williams +76.387
14 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls +78.875
15 Liam Lawson Red Bull Racing +81.147
16 Jack Doohan Alpine +88.401
17 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber +1 lap
18 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber +1 lap
19 Yuki Tsunoda Racing Bulls +1 lap
DNF
Fernando Alonso Aston Martin – brake fire – Lap 4
