F1 Driver Standings 2025: Can Verstappen maintain lead or will Hamilton’s surge change the championship? Know now
Introduction
F1 Driver Standings 2025: The 2025 Formula 1 However, Norris’ P2 finish and Oscar Piastri’s P4 are in jeopardy, as both drivers have been referred to the stewards for excessive plank wear on their McLarens. The provisional result would give Norris a 30-point lead in the drivers’ standings over Piastri, with Verstappen a further 12 points behind. If the McLarens are both disqualified, however, Norris would lead by 24 points over both Piastri and Verstappen.
F1 season standings
After races, all 20 cars are weighed and undergo inspections for things such as tire pressures, fuel samples, torque control and oil consumption. A number of cars are also randomly selected for additional technical checks, including the plank wear inspection. That means that at least one of the McLaren cars was randomly selected for that check. Once an issue was found with one McLaren, the other would also be checked for the same issue if it hadn’t already been randomly selected. Had the FIA not checked the planks on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri‘s cars, both would have escaped detection and possible disqualification. Team representatives typically go into hearings with the stewards armed with all the arguments possible to escape sanction.
Top drivers and point gaps
- Leading the pack is Max Verstappen, who has maintained a consistent run of podium finishes and key victories, holding a narrow lead of 12 points in the championship over Lewis Hamilton.
- Close behind are Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, each showcasing strong performances with variable results depending on circuit characteristics and race day conditions.
- Emerging talents such as Oscar Piastri are making noticeable strides, accumulating valuable points and pressuring established drivers in the top ten standings.
Impactful races shaping the leaderboard
- The Monaco Grand Prix saw a tactical masterclass with tight overtakes and strategic pit stops, leading to major shifts in point allocation affecting the championship leaders.
- Weather-affected races in Singapore and Canada produced unpredictable results, bringing benefits to drivers adept in wet conditions and penalizing those caught out by miscalculations.
- Recent European rounds have seen increased reliability issues in midfield teams, influencing the distribution of points and providing opportunities for championship contenders to strengthen their positions.
Team performances and driver contributions
- Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto has been handed a five-place grid penalty for next weekend’s Qatar
- Grand Prix for his collision with Lance Stroll at the opening corner tonight, which knocked both drivers
- out of the race.
Emerging contenders and dark horses
- Rookie drivers such as Yuki Tsunoda and Zhou Guanyu have managed to gather important points through aggressive yet calculated driving, potentially impacting midfield battles and future championship outcomes.
- Alpine’s strategic plays in recent races have allowed Fernando Alonso to reassert his competitiveness, inserting himself into the mix for strong finishes and vital points.
Analyzing championship scenarios and predictions
- With only five races remaining, scenarios vary from a runaway Verstappen title victory to a tight points race that may be decided in the final rounds.
- Consistency and avoiding retirements are key factors, with teams recalibrating strategies to maximize points gain per race.
- Weather conditions and circuit characteristics in upcoming venues will play pivotal roles, requiring adaptability from drivers and teams alike.
FAQs
Q1. Who currently leads the F1 Driver Standings 2025?
Max Verstappen is leading the 2025 standings, holding a narrow points advantage over Lewis Hamilton after multiple wins and podiums.
Q2. How many races remain in the 2025 F1 season?
As of November 2025, five races remain in the season, including high-stakes circuits where championships could be decided.
Q3. Which teams are strongest in the championship fight?
Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG are the dominant teams, consistently scoring high points through their drivers, with Ferrari and McLaren as key challengers.
Q4. Are there any rising stars impacting the driver standings?
Yes, rookies like Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda have been scoring valuable points, challenging established drivers and influencing midfield battles.
Q5. How can race conditions affect the driver standings?
Weather, track layouts, and reliability issues can dramatically change race outcomes, affecting driver points and overall standings unpredictably.
Conclusion
If Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix for excessive plank wear, they won’t be the first drivers to face the penalty this season. Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix in March due to the thickness of his rear skid block being below the minimum 9mm in thickness. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were also both disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix for this reason. More on the plank wear rule and what happened earlier this year at the link below.
