The Shanghai International Circuit was set ablaze with high-octane action, drama, and nail-biting moments at the 2025 F1 Chinese GP. McLaren emerged as the undisputed victor, clinching a 1-2 finish, thanks to the sterling performances of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Meanwhile, giants like Red Bull and Ferrari found themselves grappling with unexpected hurdles.
The 56-lap spectacle was largely a battleground of strategies, with the majority of racers choosing a single pit stop, contrary to the forecasted two. High-voltage incidents involving collisions, technical glitches, and even post-race disqualifications added an additional layer of chaos to the event, creating a ripple effect in the final standings and opening doors for other competitors.
The aftermath of the race saw Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Lewis Hamilton facing disqualifications due to technical violations. This unexpected turn of events altered the final table, catapulting Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Ollie Bearman up the ranks, thereby enriching their points tally.
Our comprehensive assessment of the 2025 Chinese GP driver ratings takes into account all 20 drivers’ performance throughout the Sprint Qualifying, Sprint Race, Qualifying, and the Grand Prix in Shanghai. It’s important to note that these ratings don’t hold the drivers accountable for team-related errors such as slow pit stops or flawed strategies.
Oscar Piastri, with an impressive score of 9/10, demonstrated his championship caliber with an impeccable race from the pole to the finish line. His perfect handling of the tyres coupled with a flawless run underscored his maturity.
Lando Norris, despite experiencing brake issues towards the end, managed to secure a 7/10 rating. His resilience to hold onto the second spot despite the technical snag speaks volumes about his grit.
George Russell and Max Verstappen both scored a commendable 9/10. Russell’s strategic prowess and Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from his Red Bull car despite its limitations were noteworthy.
Charles Leclerc managed a 7/10, despite early collision with teammate Hamilton, which resulted in a damaged front wing leading to post-race disqualification. Hamilton, who had attempted a two-stop strategy, scored an 8/10. His commendable pace was unfortunately nullified by a post-race disqualification for technical breaches.
Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon both shone with a 9/10 rating. Ocon’s consistent speed and Albon’s skill to navigate through the midfield scramble was praiseworthy. Meanwhile, the Mercedes rookie, Kimi Antonelli, proved his mettle with a 7.5/10, maintaining a steady momentum throughout the race.
Trailing behind were Pierre Gasly with a 7.5/10, Lance Stroll with an 8/10, and Carlos Sainz with a 6.5/10. Gasly’s disqualification post-race did not overshadow his commendable drive, while Stroll’s strategic tyre management put him in the points. Sainz, still adjusting to his new team Williams, put up a gallant fight but fell short of the points.
In the lower half of the table, Isack Hadjar showed consistency with an 8/10 score, while Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan had a disappointing run, scoring a mere 3/10 and 4/10 respectively. Yuki Tsunoda overcame damage and an extra pit stop to secure an impressive 8.5/10, as Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg lagged behind with 6/10 and 5/10 respectively. Finally, Fernando Alonso’s race was cut short by brake issues, leaving him frustrated with a score of 5.5/10.
Thus, the 2025 Chinese GP was a testament to the unpredictability of Formula 1, with surprising victories, unexpected setbacks, and high drama. While McLaren celebrated, others were left contemplating their strategies, underlining the relentless pursuit of perfection in the world of F1.
