McLaren achieved their milestone 50th 1-2 finish in Formula 1 at the Chinese Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri claiming his third career victory ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who battled brake issues in the closing stages of the race.
The drama began immediately at the start, with Norris overtaking George Russell into turn one, while Charles Leclerc made contact with Lewis Hamilton, damaging his front wing. Reigning champion Max Verstappen dropped two places in the opening exchanges, suggesting Red Bull’s dominance might be waning.
Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto’s difficult race began early when he spun on the first lap and was forced to pit, relegating him to the back of the field. By lap six, Fernando Alonso became the first retirement due to brake issues, a problem that would later plague Norris as well.
McLaren’s Command
McLaren demonstrated superior pace throughout the race, controlling the proceedings from the front. Their strategy proved effective as they navigated the undercut attempts from rivals during the pit stop phase.
In a remarkable moment for Williams, Alex Albon briefly led the race – becoming the first Williams driver to do so in a decade – highlighting the team’s continued progress under James Vowles’ leadership.
Strategic Battle
As the race progressed, tire management became crucial. Verstappen, initially struggling with the pace, patiently preserved his tires and mounted a late charge against both Ferraris, eventually finishing ahead of them on track.
Haas showed significant improvement compared to their Melbourne performance, with Oliver Bearman engaging in an extended battle with Lance Stroll, while Esteban Ocon impressed with his tire management skills.
Late Drama
The race featured several dramatic moments in the closing stages. A rain threat announced on lap 33 added strategic uncertainty, while Yuki Tsunoda suffered a bizarre incident when his front wing unexpectedly snapped under load, effectively ending his race.
Norris faced a tense finish as he managed a serious brake pedal issue. The McLaren team advised him that finishing second was preferable to not finishing at all, as he reportedly had “hardly any brakes left” in the final laps.
Post-Race Controversy
The drama continued after the checkered flag with multiple disqualifications. Both Ferraris and Pierre Gasly were excluded from the results following technical infringements.
The double Ferrari disqualification dramatically altered the points-paying positions. Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Oliver Bearman – who had finished seventh through tenth respectively – were each promoted by two positions. Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz also moved into the points as a result of Gasly’s disqualification from eleventh place.
Notable Performances
Mercedes achieved their 300th podium in Formula 1 history, with George Russell finishing third for the second consecutive weekend, demonstrating consistent form.
Haas secured an impressive double points finish, continuing their upward trajectory, while rookie Kimi Antonelli added more points to his tally, further establishing himself as one of the standout newcomers of the season.
Red Bull, meanwhile, appeared to struggle for pace, looking like only the fourth fastest team on the grid – a stark contrast to their dominance in recent seasons.
As the championship heads to its next round, McLaren’s performance in China sends a clear message that the 2025 Formula 1 season may feature the most competitive title battle in years.
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