The Shanghai International Circuit’s 2025 Chinese Grand Prix was an incredible event. Exciting fights, surprising drama, and a major shock in the championship Fight —it had it all. Fans were on the edge of their seats the whole weekend, from Ferrari’s high on Saturday to a heartbreaking low on Sunday.
For Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, the sprint race on Saturday was a dream come true. Hamilton won his first race in red during his first season with the team, winning the race from pole position and dominating the 19 laps. He won by holding off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, despite worries over tire wear.
It was significant for Ferrari as well as Hamilton because it was their first sprint race win since the format’s debut. After a difficult season, supporters hoped it was the beginning of something better. Verstappen, on the other hand, was not pleased, implying that Red Bull needed to catch up before the main event.
However, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri dominated the race on Sunday. Piastri drove flawlessly from pole position, controlling his tires and pace flawlessly. He maintained control in spite of early pressure from Verstappen and his teammate Lando Norris.
Red Bull and Mercedes suffered as the race went on, but McLaren’s tire strategy gave them the advantage. George Russell battled hard but was forced to settle for third place as Mercedes’ aggressive strategy failed, while Norris passed Verstappen to secure a McLaren 1-2 finish.
In addition to being Piastri’s third Formula 1 victory, this triumph was significant for McLaren because it was their 50th-ever 1-2 finish. Their performance demonstrated that McLaren is now not only a formidable competitor but also a team capable of competing against the best in Formula One, marking what seemed like a true turning point.
As McLaren celebrated their dream weekend, Ferrari experienced a nightmare. Despite their best efforts, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished fifth and sixth because they lacked the speed to overtake the leads.
Image credit: Formula One
Both Ferraris were disqualified following the race. Leclerc’s car was underweight, and Hamilton’s had excessive wear on the skid blocks. It was a vicious hit that changed the outcome and erased their points. Pierre Gasly was also disqualified after post-race checks revealed his car was under the underweight.
Despite his frustration, team manager Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged that “rules are rules.” After an already shaky season, Ferrari is now under much greater pressure.
The title race took a new turn after McLaren’s impressive performance and Ferrari’s defeat. Despite Red Bull’s difficulties in Shanghai, Norris maintained his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, and Verstappen was still competitive despite finishing fourth.
The stakes are extremely high as the paddock prepares to go to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6. Ferrari feeling the need for redemption, Red Bull needs answers, while McLaren wants to maintain its momentum. The 2025 season is looking to be one of the most unexpected in recent history.
Featured image credit: Nicolasdafinn27
