Ten grands prix into the final season before the 2026 rules reset, Formula 1 finds itself in unfamiliar territory: McLaren sit atop both championships. Oscar Piastri’s assured blend of tire management and raw pace has carried him to 198 points and four victories, giving the Australian a 22-point cushion over teammate Lando Norris. McLaren’s MCL40 has proven quick on every configuration—from Shanghai’s long straights to Monaco’s tight streets—thanks to a potent Mercedes hybrid package and the best high-downforce bodywork on the grid.
McLaren’s sudden dominance has cracked the sport open. Norris, who opened the campaign with wins in Australia and Miami, remains firmly in the title hunt on 176 points. The intra-team duel is cordial for now, yet the British driver’s animated radio after finishing behind Piastri in Spain hinted at tension simmering beneath the papaya surface. How team principal Andrea Stella manages these ambitions could decide the championship.
Down but hardly out, Max Verstappen and Red Bull hold third with 155 points—an unfamiliar position after four consecutive titles. The RB21 still excels in straight-line efficiency, evident in Verstappen’s victories in Japan and Imola, but struggles in slow-speed traction zones have exposed balance issues the team is rushing to cure. Meanwhile, Mercedes have quietly re-entered the winners’ circle: George Russell’s Canadian triumph and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s maiden podium put the Silver Arrows just 42 points behind Red Bull. The W16’s revised suspension is kinder on its tires, raising hopes that Toto Wolff’s squad can mount a late charge.
Ferrari’s headline signing of Lewis Hamilton has produced flashes rather than fireworks. Hamilton’s sprint victory in China was vintage, but inconsistent tire wear and mid-corner understeer have limited both him and Charles Leclerc, who sits fifth in the standings. Behind the big four, Audi-Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg has scored surprise top-six finishes, and an upgraded Aston Martin is knocking on Q3 again—evidence that the 2025 midfield is tighter than ever.
Looking ahead, the summer triple-header of Austria, Britain, and Hungary will test car versatility and team endurance. With only 43 points covering the top three drivers, a single DNF could flip the standings. Add looming engine-freeze deadlines and the first whispers of 2026 design work, and every development token feels precious. If McLaren sustain their form, they could claim their first constructors’ crown since 1998; but with Verstappen’s relentless consistency and Mercedes’ upward trend, this title fight is far from settled. Buckle up—the back half of 2025 promises classic drama.