The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix sprint has etched its name into the annals of Formula 1 history, not only for the thrilling race it offered but also for marking the first triumphant Ferrari win for the maestro himself, Lewis Hamilton. This victory, however, was more than just a points-winning event—it signified a turning point in Hamilton’s career and in the world of F1 racing.
While Hamilton’s triumph was the crowning glory of the event, there were several noteworthy performances, both positive and negative, that need to be acknowledged. Let’s delve into the winners and losers of the race.
The undisputed winner of the race was the formidable Lewis Hamilton. His progression throughout the Australian Grand Prix weekend was observed to be well ahead of schedule, not in terms of closing the gap with Charles Leclerc but by the pace at which the gap was diminished from practice to Q3. This weekend has undeniably been a revelation for Hamilton. Despite concerns raised about his pace being flattered due to his position at the front, his stint longevity during the sprint demonstrated his unparalleled skill in stint management—a skill he has mastered over his career. This win should bring great joy to Hamilton and those who took the gamble to sign him.
On the other side of the spectrum, Charles Leclerc was arguably the loser of the race. Despite acknowledging the potential of the vehicle, Leclerc admitted to not being able to utilize it to its full capacity, indicating that he has a lot to learn. He can’t overlook the fact that his performance was not up to the mark, especially when compared to his previous records. Leclerc’s struggle at Shanghai was noticeable, and he candidly admitted that he needs to learn and adapt.
Max Verstappen, on the other hand, managed to strengthen his title challenge despite not winning the race. His tire management while attempting to overtake Hamilton led to him conceding second place to Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. However, as his main rival, Lando Norris, had a disappointing sprint, Verstappen managed to narrow down the points gap to a mere two. Although it’s too early to be concerned about the championship table, Verstappen is keeping McLaren within reach, which is crucial at this stage of the season.
Lando Norris had a disappointing performance with a poor qualifying round and a worse opening lap. The damage control measures were also limited. Norris acknowledged his poor performance and felt dreadful about the race. However, it’s better to have a bad sprint than a poor main race.
Yuki Tsunoda sent a clear message to Red Bull and the world about their miscalculation in not promoting him as Verstappen’s partner in 2025. His impressive performance in qualifying for the sprint and beating the Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli in the race shows his potential.
Lance Stroll continues to impress, being responsible for all the points gained by the Aston Martin team this season. His performances indicate a confident start to the season, demonstrating dependability, intelligence in race situations, and speed.
Alpine, despite a disappointing sprint qualifying, bounced back with Pierre Gasly’s feisty drive from 17th to 12th position, suggesting the team is in much better shape than it appeared.
Williams, however, struggled with longer corners and high winds, proving Alex Albon’s prediction accurate. Carlos Sainz, who is still getting used to his new car, got stuck in the midfield dogfight, and his pace drop-off in the second half of the race was concerning.
Finally, Red Bull’s rookies, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, despite not making significant gains, showed promise. Lawson, in particular, demonstrated confidence and comfort for the first time in his Red Bull F1 stint.
In conclusion, the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix sprint was a roller coaster of triumphs and disappointments, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.