McLaren’s shining star, Oscar Piastri, has spectacularly clinched pole position for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix at the electryfing Shanghai International Circuit, marking his inaugural Formula 1 pole position triumph. The Australian rookie dazzled the track, clocking an astonishing 1m 30.641s, the fastest time yet.
This year’s Chinese GP grid is brimming with exceptional talent, with Mercedes’ George Russell hot on Piastri’s heels, securing a solid second place with an impressive lap time of 1m 30.723s. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s teammate, managed to secure an eighth-place start, accentuating the formidable qualifying prowess of the Mercedes team.
McLaren’s dominance was unmistakable throughout the weekend. Lando Norris, despite not completing his final qualifying lap, secured a respectable third position. On the other hand, current World Champion Max Verstappen will be starting fourth, grappling to harness the full potential of his challenging RB21.
In an exciting twist, Lewis Hamilton, the victor of Saturday’s Sprint Race, will commence from fifth place, narrowly surpassing his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who will be lining up in sixth position.
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the 2025 Chinese GP starting grid, as determined by Saturday’s qualifying results:
1. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
2. George Russell – Mercedes
3. Lando Norris – McLaren
4. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
5. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
6. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
7. Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
8. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
9. Yuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls
10. Alexander Albon – Williams
11. Esteban Ocon – Haas
12. Nico Hulkenberg – Sauber
13. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
14. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
15. Carlos Sainz – Williams
16. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
17. Oliver Bearman – Haas
18. Jack Doohan – Alpine
19. Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber
20. Liam Lawson – Red Bull
Just missing out on the top-10 start are Esteban Ocon of Haas and Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber, securing 11th and 12th positions respectively. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso will be starting 13th, followed by Lance Stroll in 14th. Unfortunately, Carlos Sainz continues to grapple with challenges at Williams, managing only a 15th place start.
The Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan weathered a tough qualifying session, finishing at 16th and 18th respectively. The grid is rounded out by Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson in 19th and 20th, the latter still struggling to master the demanding RB21.
All eyes are now on the 2025 Chinese GP, as the full grid order for the race in Shanghai is set, promising high-energy competition and thrilling performances. From seasoned veterans to exciting rookies, the starting grid showcases the finest talent in Formula 1, setting the scene for an unforgettable race.
