McLaren holding cards as F1 title battle heats up after Piastri win in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
McLaren has their fate in their own hands – and only they can spoil the party.
The 2024 Constructors' champions took another confident step toward defending their crown, with Oscar Piastri clinching his third win of the season and Lando Norris collecting valuable points with a fourth-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this past weekend.
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The Surrey-based outfit have now stretched their lead at the top of the standings to 77 points over second-placed Mercedes (111), who, despite not winning a race yet, remain the most consistent challengers behind McLaren.
As the grid heads to Miami in a fortnight, Obakeng Meletse breaks down three of the biggest talking points ahead of round six of the 2025 Formula 1 season...
Norris must fight way out of tight corner
McLaren has unquestionably been the team to beat so far, leading both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
But within the orange camp, the dynamics are shifting.
Oscar Piastri has emerged as the more composed and consistent contender, while teammate Lando Norris – despite his effort and raw pace – has struggled to convert performances into results.
Costly errors and poor qualifying runs have seen the Briton slip from the top of the standings, as he is now trailing his Australian teammate by just 10 points.
With Miami presenting another street circuit where overtaking can be limited, qualifying will be critical.
For Norris, correcting his one-lap pace might be the key to reigniting his title challenge.
Lando and Oscar on the mic 🎤
Appreciating the team's efforts 🧡#McLaren | #SaudiArabiaGP pic.twitter.com/B6TVbUYhMS — McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 20, 2025
Leclerc steps up as Ferrari eye momentum
Charles Leclerc continues to prove why Ferrari sees him as their long-term spearhead.
Despite years of inconsistent machinery, the Monegasque has remained a steady performer – and this season, he's quietly delivering once again.
While all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move to Maranello, it's Leclerc who's delivering results.
A podium finish in Saudi Arabia marked Ferrari's first of the season, and he's clearly responding to the added pressure of partnering with the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton, still adjusting to the red garage, hasn't quite matched Leclerc yet.
But with Ferrari just 33 points off Mercedes in the Constructors' standings, a united push from both drivers could prove decisive in the months ahead.
Podium moments in Jeddah 🏆 pic.twitter.com/RwNlxKjcoi
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 21, 2025
Verstappen still in the hunt
Max Verstappen may not have the fastest car on the grid this year, but what he lacks in machinery, he makes up for in pure grit.
Currently sitting third in the Drivers' Championship, the four-time champion has quietly closed the gap to just 12 points behind the leader.
With a car that performs strongly on tracks that take kindly to high downforce, there are a few upcoming races where the team should have the upper hand.
Historically, they've struggled on street circuits, particularly those filled with tight, slow corners.
But as we've seen before, the 27-year-old behind the wheel can make all the difference.
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