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McLaren dominate the race in Shanghai as Mercedes driver Russell finishes third and Verstappen fourth.
Published On 23 Mar 2025
Australian Oscar Piastri has roared back from season-opening disappointment in his home race by winning the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix from pole position in a McLaren one-two with championship-leading teammate Lando Norris.
George Russell finished third for Mercedes, ahead of Red Bull’s reigning champion Max Verstappen in Shanghai on Sunday.
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified after their cars failed post-race checks.
The pair finished fifth and sixth respectively but Leclerc’s car was found to be under the weight limit while Hamilton’s car was reported to stewards for excessive skid wear.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who finished 11th, was also disqualified for his car being below the minimum weight.
Piastri’s win denied Norris a third victory in a row, including last year’s season-ender, but left champions McLaren unbeaten in two races so far this year.
“It’s been an incredible weekend, the car has been pretty mega,” said Piastri.
“Very, very happy. The hard was a much better tyre than everyone expected, so to go all the way to the end was a bit of a surprise, but a happy surprise.”
OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX 🎉#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/kce8j2t9Xw
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 23, 2025
Norris had to cope with a late brake issue which forced him to settle for second rather than challenge his teammate.
The Briton continues to lead the championship after two race weekends on 44 points from Verstappen on 36.
Russell started from second and knew it was imperative to try to grab the lead off the line.
Instead, he was squeezed by Piastri on the long first bend complex, which allowed Norris to surge past into second.
Both Ferraris got past Verstappen on the same bend, relegating the world champion from fourth to sixth.
Leclerc lost part of his front wing when it brushed Hamilton’s rear right wheel but it did not affect his pace.
The disqualifications benefitted Haas particularly, with Esteban Ocon moving up to fifth and rookie Oliver Bearman to eighth.
Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli moved up to sixth for Mercedes with Alex Albon seventh for Williams.
Gasly’s disqualification meant Lance Stroll finished ninth for Aston Martin and Carlos Sainz took the final point for Williams despite finishing 13th on track.
