I’ll be honest—watching Ferrari trail behind again this year is like rewatching the same frustrating movie, hoping for a different ending. Every race weekend brings a flicker of hope and then… a tire strategy gone wrong or just plain lack of pace. But while I shake my head at red, I can’t deny the sheer brilliance McLaren’s putting on display. And then there’s Andrea Kimi Antonelli—Mercedes’ young gun who’s got the grit and the timing that makes you pay attention. This season, so far, has had it all.

The 2025 Formula 1 season isn’t just another chapter in the sport’s recent history—it feels like a turning point. The dominant narratives we’ve grown used to—Verstappen streaking away, Red Bull setting the pace, and everyone else fighting over scraps—have been flipped on their head. Through the first six races, we’ve seen a refreshing shift in power, unexpected heroes, growing pains from the biggest names, and a rookie making waves in all the right ways.

McLaren’s rise, Mercedes’ quiet consistency, Red Bull’s stumbles, and Ferrari’s mechanical heartbreaks have all combined to create one of the most unpredictable starts in years. If you’ve missed the races or just want to relive the chaos, here’s a full recap of everything that’s gone down through mid-May.

McLaren: From Chasing to Leading

No other team has defined the start of this season like McLaren. It’s strange to say that out loud after years of them being on the cusp of relevance, but in 2025, they’re not just fighting—they’re winning.

Out of six races, McLaren has taken five victories. Four of them belong to Oscar Piastri, who has been driving like a seasoned champion. His wins in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, China, and Miami weren’t just solid performances—they were statements. Lando Norris, ever the dependable second pillar, started the season strong with a win in Australia, making it a clean sweep of sorts for the team (barring Japan).

What’s remarkable about McLaren’s MCL39 isn’t just its speed—it’s the balance. George Russell said it best when he described their advantage as “bigger than Red Bull has ever had.” That’s a bold claim, but it’s hard to argue against it when you look at how calmly they manage their tires, how composed their drivers look through the longer stints, and how effectively they close out weekends.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner even acknowledged that McLaren had made “significant engineering advancements.” And for once, Red Bull’s chasing—not leading.

Piastri Leads the Charge

Oscar Piastri has truly stepped into the spotlight. His rise hasn’t been meteoric—it’s been methodical, smart, and extremely consistent. With 131 points, he’s leading the championship and proving week after week that McLaren’s faith in him was well-placed. He’s calm under pressure, quick in qualifying, and sharp in racecraft. The maturity is noticeable.

Lando Norris isn’t far behind. Sitting second with 115 points, Norris has proven he’s still very much in this title fight. And despite not taking more wins, his consistency has helped McLaren create a massive gap in the Constructors’ standings.

Their tally? A whopping 246 points. That’s 105 points more than second-place Mercedes. If McLaren continues at this rate, the championship may be locked up long before we hit Abu Dhabi.

The Chase Pack: Mercedes and Red Bull

While McLaren sets the standard, Mercedes has quietly carved out a space as the most consistent runner-up. George Russell’s 93 points reflect a season that’s been fast, smart, and mature. But the real story in Brackley is Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The 18-year-old rookie has jumped into Formula 1 with no hesitation, sitting sixth in the standings with 48 points. He’s made strong impressions at every race, showing he’s not here to play a support role forever. Mercedes seems to be grooming their next leader, and Kimi is playing his part to perfection. Watching him go wheel-to-wheel with seasoned veterans and still hold his nerve is easily one of the season’s highlights.

Red Bull, meanwhile, is still very much in the hunt—but the fear factor is gone. Max Verstappen claimed a lone win in Japan, taking him to third in the standings with 99 points. That’s still impressive by most standards, but for Max, it’s unfamiliar territory. The car doesn’t seem to have the same edge we saw in previous seasons.

The bigger mess lies in Red Bull’s second seat. Liam Lawson was promoted at the start of the year but was sent back to Racing Bulls after just a handful of races. In a surprise move, Yuki Tsunoda was brought into the main team starting with Japan. The musical chairs in the Red Bull garage signal deeper problems—they’re hunting for balance, and for now, it’s elusive.

Ferrari: Pain, Promises, and the Pitfalls

This is the part that stings. As a Ferrari fan, there’s always hope, but lately, it’s hope wrapped in anxiety. This season, the red cars look fast on Fridays but fade away by Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the biggest pre-season headlines. After more than a decade at Mercedes, the seven-time champ joined the Scuderia with dreams of glory. But so far, it’s been a tough ride. He’s seventh in the standings with 41 points. His only victory came in a Sprint Race in China— [uncontrollable screaming].

Hamilton has publicly admitted that his car’s been underperforming, particularly over the last three races. He pointed out a technical issue costing him more than a tenth per lap. In F1, that’s not just a small margin—it’s the difference between pole and P8. If Ferrari can fix that, they still have time to bounce back. But as always, it’s a big “if.”

Charles Leclerc hasn’t had it much better. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Ferrari team seems stuck in a cycle of “almost.” Their total of 94 points places them fourth in the Constructors’ standings, behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull.

The Midfield Mix-Up

Williams has been a pleasant surprise. With 37 points, they’re holding fifth place. Carlos Sainz, now in blue after leaving Ferrari, seems to be driving with a chip on his shoulder—and it’s working.

Haas has also managed a respectable 20 points. Their new lineup of Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman is gelling nicely. Bearman in particular has shown promise in his first full season.

The rest of the grid is tightly packed but far from competitive. Aston Martin has 14 points, Racing Bulls 8, Alpine 7, and Sauber 6. For these teams, the story isn’t about winning—it’s about finding consistency and maximizing opportunities when chaos hits up front.

Driver Market Shake-Up

The off-season brought massive changes, setting the tone for 2025 before a wheel even turned.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was seismic. Mercedes, in response, brought up Andrea Kimi Antonelli—a decision that already looks inspired. Carlos Sainz to Williams was unexpected but has proven fruitful so far. Haas introduced an all-new pairing, and Sauber made its own changes, including bringing in F2 champ Gabriel Bortoleto.

Red Bull’s internal shake-ups have been the most telling. Sergio Pérez’s departure, Liam Lawson’s short-lived stint, and Tsunoda’s promotion reveal just how uncertain the future is for the seat next to Verstappen.

Even mid-season changes are happening. Alpine dropped Jack Doohan and will rotate in Franco Colapinto through a few races. Colapinto, who had a short stint with Williams in 2024, will drive starting at Imola. These moves tell a story—2025 isn’t just about performance; it’s about finding long-term fits in an ever-shifting paddock.

Technical Trends and What Comes Next

McLaren’s biggest strength isn’t just their drivers—it’s the MCL39. It’s a car that protects its tires better than anything else on the grid. Over long stints, when others begin to drop off, McLaren just keeps going. That’s been a crucial difference in race outcomes this year.

Meanwhile, Ferrari is still ironing out issues that, frankly, should’ve been fixed by now. Mercedes seems to have found a solid foundation, and Red Bull—despite their pedigree—appear to be in development mode again.

As we head into the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 18th, all eyes will be on whether anyone can slow McLaren down. With the return to Imola, expect a passionate crowd, and maybe, just maybe, a different winner.

This year is also important beyond just points. 2025 is the final season of the current engine regulations that began back in 2014. In 2026, F1 will enter a new era with active aero and revised power units. It’s also the last time we’ll see DRS in its current form. The technical revolution is coming.

What’s Your Take on 2025 So Far?

Are you backing McLaren’s continued dominance, hoping for a Ferrari comeback, or excited about the rookies making their mark? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this post with fellow fans to keep the conversation going. And if you’re following every lap like I am, bookmark this blog—more updates, deep dives, and paddock insights are just around the corner.