McLaren managed to secure their second Grand Prix in a row to kick off the 2025 Season with a bang, and this time, it was Oscar Piastri who stood tall. That’s not the only exciting thing that happened this weekend though, and we’ve got everything you need to know right here on Supercars.com.GH.
Chaotic First Lap
The race began with Piastri leading from pole position, with Russell and Norris battling close behind for second. A significant incident occurred when Leclerc, attempting to pass Verstappen and Hamilton, collided with his teammate, damaging his front wing. Bortoleto also went off track, and Alonso retired early due to brake issues. This initial chaos set the stage for a race of strategies and damage control.
Strategic Tire Battles
We saw various tire strategies, with most drivers starting on mediums and some opting for hards. Gasly was the first to pit, triggering a series of stops. Hamilton and Verstappen pitted early for hards, while Piastri, Norris, Russell, and Leclerc extended their stints. Russell gained an advantage over Norris after the pit stops, while Albon briefly led before his own. Leclerc, despite his damaged car, pressured Russell for third. Norris reported brake issues, adding tension to McLaren’s 1-2 strategy.
Intense Mid-Race Action
The mid-race saw intense battles throughout the field. Leclerc, despite his damaged front wing, pressured Russell. Verstappen, on a later strategy, closed in on the Ferraris. Bearman, after a late pit stop, made impressive overtakes. Tsunoda faced a late pit stop due to a loose front wing, ending his hopes for points, while Doohan received a penalty for forcing Hadjar off track. McLaren managed their drivers’ pace and tire wear, maintaining their lead.
Disqualifications After the Race
Piastri controlled the race from start to finish, securing victory for McLaren. Norris, despite brake issues, finished second, ahead of Russell. Verstappen finished fourth, followed by Leclerc and Hamilton. Ocon had a strong race, finishing seventh.
However, after the race, Leclerc and Gasly were disqualified for car weight breaches, and Hamilton was disqualified for a plank assembly thickness issue. These disqualifications significantly altered the final results, promoting Stroll and Sainz to the points.
What will happen as we look forward to the next Grand Prix weekend? Make sure to stay tuned with Supercars.com.GH if you want to find out!