Winners and Losers from F1's 2025 Chinese Grand Prix: Who Owned the Podium?
Ah, the Shanghai International Circuit, where dreams are made and crushed in the blink of an eye! In a race that wasn’t quite as wild as a rollercoaster but had its own share of thrilling moments, we’ve got our hands on the ultimate winners and losers from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. Buckle up as we dive into who came out on top and who’s probably drowning their sorrows in a bowl of wonton soup.
Winners
Oscar Piastri - McLaren
Oscar Piastri! Remember that name, because it’s going to be uttered loudly this season. After a not-so-great showing in his home race, Piastri turned heads in China with a jaw-droppingly perfect drive. He started on pole and finished the race without breaking a sweat—a cool, calm, and collected performance that left his teammate Lando Norris eating dust (or brake dust, to be precise). With a third career win under his belt, Piastri has made it clear: he’s not just here to make up the numbers.
Max Verstappen - Red Bull Racing
While Red Bull might be grappling with some car issues, you have to hand it to Max Verstappen for his knack of squeezing podiums out of seemingly uncooperative machinery. He battled his way through to a solid finish, reminding everyone that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Is it just me, or does he seem more determined than ever? He’s turning the RB21’s weaknesses into results, showing us that sometimes sheer talent trumps mechanical woes.
Esteban Ocon - Haas F1 Team
Ocon put on a masterclass of resilience for Haas, securing a remarkable fifth place after a tough outing in Australia. With a crafty strategy—and a sprinkle of good fortune after Ferrari’s misfortunes—Ocon proved that every race is an opportunity, even when you start off shaky. If this is Haas at their worst, then watch out when they get it right!
Losers
Ferrari - Where Do We Even Start?
The Scuderia came into the race with high hopes, buoyed by Hamilton’s earlier sprint success. Yet, they dived straight back into chaos. A lackluster qualifying meant both drivers found themselves in a precarious position—and when disqualification loomed after the main event, it was evident that luck fumbled away again. Let’s just say this isn’t Ferrari’s finest hour. They may have clutched some points but their performance leaves much to be desired.
Liam Lawson - Red Bull Racing
Poor Liam Lawson. Transitioning into the high-pressure world of F1 isn’t meant to feel like running through a rainstorm without an umbrella. He struggled for pace all weekend and finds himself in hot water, with rumors swirling about a potential swap before the next race. Talk about pressure!
Alpine - Still Searching for Answers
Is Alpine attending F1 races just for the cupcakes? Because they sure aren’t showing up to race! Leaving Shanghai with zero points to their name and missing out on a golden opportunity to capitalize on Ferrari’s misfortunes is hard to swallow. Pierre Gasly’s disqualification added insult to injury. They’re going to have to come up with a miracle—preferably before they hit the track in Japan!
The Final Lap
The 2025 Chinese GP was another chapter filled with plot twists, tire strategy debates, and just enough drama to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Moving toward Japan, teams will be strategizing like chess grandmasters on speed. Can McLaren hold their ground? Can Ferrari redeem themselves? And will Liam Lawson keep his seat? Stay tuned for what’s bound to be yet another thrilling installment of Formula 1!