Formula 1’s 2025 season has reached its summer break, and the opening 14 races have been a showcase of speed, strategy, and shifting momentum. McLaren’s resurgence has defined the year so far, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the standings, but Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull have all shown flashes of form. Behind them, the midfield has produced its own drama. With ten races to go and the finale set for Yas Marina on 5–7 December, there’s everything to play for.
Championship at the Break
Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ standings with 284 points, nine ahead of teammate Lando Norris on 275. Max Verstappen sits third on 187, followed by George Russell with 172 and Charles Leclerc on 151.
In the Constructors’ standings, McLaren are well ahead on 559 points, with Ferrari second on 260, Mercedes close behind on 236, and Red Bull fourth with 194.
As the season progresses, fans are excitedly looking ahead to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hospitality Packages, which promise an unforgettable experience at the Yas Marina circuit.
McLaren’s Masterclass
McLaren have been in near-unstoppable form, winning 11 of the first 14 Grands Prix. Their MCL38 has proven quick at every type of circuit, from the high-speed straights of Silverstone to the slow, twisty streets of Monaco. Operationally, they’ve been just as sharp, often executing some of the season’s fastest pit stops.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was a milestone moment: Norris led home Piastri to secure McLaren’s 200th Formula 1 victory. It was also a testament to their strategic flexibility, with Norris holding off a late-charging Piastri after switching to a one-stop plan.
The team has allowed its drivers to race freely, with CEO Zak Brown confirming that both have equal status. That freedom led to fireworks in Canada, when contact between Norris and Piastri handed victory to Russell. It was a reminder that even the strongest teams can lose points if internal rivalry boils over.
Ferrari: Promise and Frustration
Ferrari have been McLaren’s closest challenger in the points table, and their raw speed is undeniable. Charles Leclerc has been their star on Saturdays, claiming pole in Hungary to break McLaren’s front-row streak, while Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint win in Shanghai marked his first victory in red.
Yet race-day execution has let them down too often. Tyre degradation and strategy calls have cost them potential wins, and while the SF-25 is a qualifying threat, it still lacks the consistency to challenge McLaren over a full race distance.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has made it clear that Ferrari’s focus extends beyond this season: upgrades introduced now are also aimed at the 2026 regulations. The aim for the second half of 2025 will be to convert more of their qualifying positions into podiums, and ideally, wins.
Mercedes: Resurgence and a Rookie Star
Mercedes’ early season was turbulent, but they’ve begun to turn the corner. Russell’s win in Canada was their first of the year, capitalising on the McLaren collision, while rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the third-youngest podium finisher in F1.
The team’s technical direction has also shifted. After struggling with a new rear suspension design introduced at Imola, they reverted to their earlier specification, finding more predictable handling and better race pace. Toto Wolff has praised Russell’s leadership and highlighted Antonelli’s composure as reasons for optimism heading into the second half of the season.
Red Bull: From Dominance to Regrouping
Red Bull have dropped from their usual lofty standards, sitting fourth in the Constructors’ standings. Verstappen remains capable of winning races – as he proved in Imola and Austria – but the team has been less consistent than in previous years.
The mid-season departure of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner and the appointment of Laurent Mekies signalled a fresh chapter. Verstappen has kept his focus on-track, but the team will need to improve both performance and operations to claw back ground in the remaining rounds.
Midfield Movers
The midfield battle has been as competitive as ever, producing standout moments across the grid.
Sauber – soon to become the Audi works team – have been a pleasant surprise, with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto qualifying as high as sixth in Hungary and scoring regular points.
Racing Bulls have found a gem in Isack Hadjar, one of the season’s most impressive rookies.
Williams, under James Vowles, have climbed from the back of the grid to regular points contention, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon forming a reliable pairing.
Aston Martin have struggled to match their 2023–24 form, but Fernando Alonso remains a danger on strategy-heavy weekends. Alpine and Haas continue to fight for the lower points positions, often relying on attritional races to break into the top ten.
Race-by-Race Highlights
Bahrain – Piastri wins the opener to set the tone.
Saudi Arabia – Piastri holds off Verstappen for a second straight win.
Australia – Norris takes victory in front of a delighted Melbourne crowd.
Japan – Verstappen strikes back with a measured drive.
China – Hamilton wins the Sprint; McLaren take the main race.
Miami – Norris wins after Safety Car drama.
Emilia Romagna – Verstappen edges McLaren in a tense tyre battle.
Monaco – Norris wins from pole; Leclerc podium at home.
Canada – Russell wins after McLaren collision; Antonelli third.
Spain – McLaren one-two, Leclerc third.
Austria – Verstappen victorious; Hadjar scores points.
Britain – Norris wins in a Silverstone classic.
Hungary – McLaren’s 200th win, Norris ahead of Piastri.
Belgium – Rain-hit race sees Piastri win, Leclerc second.
What to Watch After the Break
- Ferrari’s race-day form – Can they finally convert poles into wins?
- Mercedes’ upgrades – Will their technical changes keep delivering results?
- Red Bull’s reset – Can Mekies stabilise the team and close the gap?
- McLaren’s driver rivalry – Will the fight stay clean or spill over again?
- Rookie impact – Could Hadjar, Antonelli or Bortoleto steal more headlines?
Spotlight on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Since joining the calendar in 2009, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been the ultimate stage for season-ending drama, from Sebastian Vettel’s maiden title in 2010 to the Hamilton–Verstappen showdown in 2021. Yas Marina’s reprofiled layout now encourages more overtaking, but track position and tyre management remain decisive.
The twilight start, spectacular marina backdrop and post-race concerts give the finale a unique atmosphere, making it a favourite for fans and drivers alike.
ES Sport: The Ultimate Finale Experience
For those wanting more than just a seat in the stands, ES Sport offer exclusive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality packages. The Shams Suite provides panoramic circuit views, gourmet catering, and dedicated hosts, while tailored weekend packages combine race access with luxury hotels on Yas Island or in Abu Dhabi city.
From sipping champagne as the cars roar past to enjoying VIP paddock experiences, ES Sport ensures you don’t just watch the finale, you live it.
The Verdict
McLaren lead both championships, but the fight is far from over. Ferrari’s qualifying strength, Mercedes’ steady improvement, Red Bull’s potential resurgence, and the unpredictability of the midfield mean the closing ten races could spring surprises.
When the lights go out in Abu Dhabi this December, it won’t just be about deciding champions, it will be about ending one of the most compelling F1 seasons in years on the highest of highs.
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