Just three points separate Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris after the one-third mark of the 2025 Formula 1 season but Max Verstappen is still in touching distance of the McLaren pair.
Piastri is three points ahead of Norris with Verstappen 25 points behind the Australian going into this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Traditionally, a car which is quick around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is fast at most tracks on the calendar but a technical clampdown on flexi-wings will also add to the intrigue surrounding McLaren’s pace advantage over the field and whether that remains.
McLaren have a huge 152-point lead over Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship and are 156 points ahead of Red Bull.
Their evenly matched driver pairing means Norris and Piastri have taken points away from each other though in the Drivers’ Championship, while Verstappen has not had to worry about his team-mate and maximised most of his results.
F1 Drivers’ Championship ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix
McLaren CEO Zak Brown insists the team does not need to switch to a one-car team as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri challenge for the WDC
Although McLaren currently have a slight pace advantage over the field, that could change quickly through upgrades from their rivals and understanding of the cars.
This weekend in Spain, a new load test on front wings will be introduced which Red Bull boss Christian Horner says will have an “impact”.
Whether that negatively affects McLaren remains to be seen, but if it does, and Verstappen can regularly challenge for wins on outright pace, will Zak Brown and Andrea Stella regret not having a number one driver?
Bernie Collins explains more about the new front wing tests that are being introduced to the Spanish Grand Prix and how it could shake up the season
No point in upsetting one driver
Speaking on The F1 Show, Sky Sports F1’s David Croft made the point that having an outright lead driver at McLaren would only lead to Norris or Piastri looking elsewhere for a driver.
“The massive gap McLaren have puts to bed the debate that they need a number one and number two driver,” said Croft.
“McLaren say they ‘will pursue the best interests of the team while preserving the interest of the drivers’. As racing fans we want to see racing. We don’t want to see team orders or drivers sacrificing their race for someone else.
McLaren’s Lando Norris wins at the Monaco Grand Prix, cutting Oscar Piastri’s lead in the driver’s championship to just three points
“They are making the points they need for the constructors’ and letting the drivers scrap it out. We are in for a mega season.
“The team want to win the Constructors’ Championship, right? The team are not going to sacrifice a driver, when both can win a Drivers’ Championship, whilst they can easily win a Constructors’ Championship. There’s no point in doing that, because all you’re going to do is hasten the exit out the door of either Lando or Oscar.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris was ecstatic after winning around Monaco for the first time in his career
What if Verstappen is still in the title fight in the second half of the season?
Verstappen has won two of the eight F1 races, in Suzuka and Imola, but only at the latter have Red Bull arguably had a stronger car than McLaren.
Sky Sports F1‘s Simon Lazenby did not fully agree with Croft and thinks McLaren may need to back the leading driver in the standings if Verstappen remains in touching distance later in the season.
“If it comes down to it, the drivers’ [title] is the one that they want now,” he said.
“Let’s say one of the drivers gets 25 or 30 points ahead, but Max is hot on the heels, are they not going to put all their eggs in the basket for the one that’s leading [the championship]. Are they not actually going to do a Monaco Grand Prix [strategy] and use the second driver as a buffer?”
Lando Norris just gets past team-mate Oscar Piastri to take second during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins added: “If they get to a point where they are crashing into each other and therefore risking the Constructors’ Championship, that’s the point where they will say ‘enough is enough’.
“For now, when they are fighting cleanly and both gaining good points in the Constructors’ Championship, there will be a point when mathematically that’s done and at that point there’s even less need to tell them to hold station.
“Zak wants it all. One-two in the drivers’ and to win the constructors’, so he will make his drivers as happy as he can to make that happen.”
Sky Sports F1’s Spanish Grand Prix schedule
Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix we take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments from previous races at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Thursday May 29
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday May 30
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Spanish GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Spanish GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday May 31
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Spanish GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: SPANISH GP QUALIFYING*
Sunday June 1
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up*
2pm: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
F1’s European triple header concludes with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, with live coverage starting from Friday on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Zinho vê “time confiável”, mas descarta elenco do Palmeiras repleto de craques em 2025: “O Flamengo tem vários”
Jogadores do Palmeiras comemoram gol no Allianz Parque (Cesar Greco/Palmeiras)Zinho, mesmo após o Palmeiras investir pesado em reforços, não avalia que o elenco do Verdão atingiu o patamar do plantel do Flamengo. Na visão do ex-jogador, uma diferença crucial é determinante para a superioridade atrelada ao Rubro-Negro. Isso porque Arrascaeta, Pedro, Saúl, Jorginho e Bruno Henrique são vistos como craques acima da média, algo que Abel Ferreira não tem à disposição de maneira abundante. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENeste cenário, Zinho ressaltou a importância de Abel Ferreira em potencializar o elenco do Palmeiras. Através do trabalho do português, uma equipe competitiva ganhou consolidação e, na sequência da temporada, é a principal ameaça ao Flamengo.“Neste momento, o Palmeiras continua com bons jogadores. Aquele craque diferente, como o Flamengo tem vários, eu não acho que o Flamengo tem vários. O Palmeiras tem ótimos jogadores que, […]
Brian Schottenheimer says Micah Parsons will have ‘ramp-up plan,’ could have limited Week 1 workload
The Dallas Cowboys go to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in nine days. Star edge rusher Micah Parsons still hasn't practiced this summer. His contract dispute and standoff with Cowboys general manager and team owner Jerry Jones have dominated headlines.Brian Schottenheimer remains confident Parsons will be available for the Sept. 4 season opener against the Eagles. But the first-time head coach conceded Tuesday that Parsons could have a limited workload.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"At the end of the day, as soon as he can get out there, that's great but again there will be a ramp-up plan for him," Schottenheimer said, via ESPN."And when he lines up out there to play, do I think he would play 75 plays and every play? Probably not. I don't think that that's real. But I do think that he can be very disruptive […]
C.J. Stroud talks Texans’ new OC! Plus Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce engaged?!
Subscribe to Inside CoverageWhat can we expect to see from C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans offense under new OC Nick Caley? Yahoo Sports' Andrew Siciliano sits down with Stroud to discuss the QB's third year in the league. But first! Have you heard the news? Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are engaged! Andrew, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson discuss their upcoming nuptials and Kelce's future in the league. The gang also discusses the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints making decisions about their QB depth charts, Brian Schottenheimer's latest comments on Micah Parsons and Atlanta Falcons RT Kaleb McGary being placed on season-ending IR. They finish the show up with a recap of cutdown day. Who could come off the waiver wires?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(1:25) - Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift get engaged(9:40) - Dillon Gabriel named Browns QB2(15:50) - Spencer Rattler […]
Venus Williams to compete in women’s doubles at US Open
Venus Williams will compete in women's doubles at the US Open after receiving a wildcard entry with 2021 singles runner-up Leylah Fernandez.Williams and Canadian Fernandez will meet sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez in the first round. The 45-year-old Williams is appearing at her first Grand Slam tournament in two years after making a comeback following 16 months away from the tour. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Highlights of the US Open match between Venus Williams and Karolina Muchova She competed in star-studded mixed doubles event last week, then in singles on Monday night - both also through wildcard invitations from the US Tennis Association.Williams was the oldest player to compete in the women's singles here since Renee Richards in 1981 and the third oldest of the Open Era. She had a tough draw […]
Byanca Brasil, atacante do Cruzeiro, destaca: “Vamos dar a vida para buscar essa grande final”
Byanca Brasil fala sobre a importância da torcida do Cruzeiro para as Cabulosas (Reprodução/Cris Mattos/Staff Images Woman/CBF)O Cruzeiro faz uma grande campanha no Brasileirão Feminino, tendo já feito história, mas podendo aumentar essa marca ainda mais. Com excelentes atuações na 1ª fase, o clube mineiro chegou ao mata-mata empolgado. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEEntão, conseguiu avançar para a semifinal após um empate fora de casa contra o Red Bull Bragantino e uma vitória por 2×0 atuando em casa. Porém, na partida de ida da semifinal contra o Palmeiras, fez uma excelente atuação e conseguiu uma vitória por 3×1, que lhe dá a vantagem para o duelo de volta, jogando em casa, ao lado da sua torcida.Byanca Brasil fala sobre o apoio da torcida do CruzeiroEm entrevista ao O Tikitaka Sports, a atacante do Cruzeiro, Byanca Brasil, falou sobre o duelo contra o Palmeiras, […]
Quesada antecipa classificação do Corinthians contra o Athletico-PR na Copa do Brasil: “Arremata no jogo da volta”
Jogadores do Corinthians comemoram gol na Copa do Brasil (Rodrigo Coca / Agência Corinthians)Leandro Quesada demonstrou otimismo com o futuro do Corinthians na Copa do Brasil. Após o Timão desbancar o Palmeiras, a equipe de Dorival Júnior tem pela frente o Athletico-PR, algoz do São Paulo. Embora o duelo seja imprevisível, o comunicador confia que arrancar um empate fora de casa nesta quarta (27) tem grandes chances de encaminhar a classificação na Neo Química Arena. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEApós o triunfo com autoridade contra o Vasco, Quesada prevê Charles e Breno Bidon mantidos entre os titulares do Corinthians. Diante da expectativa de poucas chances, o jornalista também acredita que Rodrigo Garro será escalado.“O Corinthians se classifica. Acho que um empate é um baita resultado, e arremata a classificação no jogo da volta.”, disse Quesada, no programa “Os Donos da Bola”. “É bom […]
Related
Zinho vê “time confiável”, mas descarta elenco do Palmeiras repleto de craques em 2025: “O Flamengo tem vários”
Jogadores do Palmeiras comemoram gol no Allianz Parque (Cesar Greco/Palmeiras)Zinho, mesmo após o Palmeiras investir pesado em reforços, não avalia que o elenco do Verdão atingiu o patamar do plantel do Flamengo. Na visão do ex-jogador, uma diferença crucial é determinante para a superioridade atrelada ao Rubro-Negro. Isso porque Arrascaeta, Pedro, Saúl, Jorginho e Bruno Henrique são vistos como craques acima da média, algo que Abel Ferreira não tem à disposição de maneira abundante. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENeste cenário, Zinho ressaltou a importância de Abel Ferreira em potencializar o elenco do Palmeiras. Através do trabalho do português, uma equipe competitiva ganhou consolidação e, na sequência da temporada, é a principal ameaça ao Flamengo.“Neste momento, o Palmeiras continua com bons jogadores. Aquele craque diferente, como o Flamengo tem vários, eu não acho que o Flamengo tem vários. O Palmeiras tem ótimos jogadores que, […]
Brian Schottenheimer says Micah Parsons will have ‘ramp-up plan,’ could have limited Week 1 workload
The Dallas Cowboys go to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in nine days. Star edge rusher Micah Parsons still hasn't practiced this summer. His contract dispute and standoff with Cowboys general manager and team owner Jerry Jones have dominated headlines.Brian Schottenheimer remains confident Parsons will be available for the Sept. 4 season opener against the Eagles. But the first-time head coach conceded Tuesday that Parsons could have a limited workload.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"At the end of the day, as soon as he can get out there, that's great but again there will be a ramp-up plan for him," Schottenheimer said, via ESPN."And when he lines up out there to play, do I think he would play 75 plays and every play? Probably not. I don't think that that's real. But I do think that he can be very disruptive […]
C.J. Stroud talks Texans’ new OC! Plus Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce engaged?!
Subscribe to Inside CoverageWhat can we expect to see from C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans offense under new OC Nick Caley? Yahoo Sports' Andrew Siciliano sits down with Stroud to discuss the QB's third year in the league. But first! Have you heard the news? Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are engaged! Andrew, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson discuss their upcoming nuptials and Kelce's future in the league. The gang also discusses the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints making decisions about their QB depth charts, Brian Schottenheimer's latest comments on Micah Parsons and Atlanta Falcons RT Kaleb McGary being placed on season-ending IR. They finish the show up with a recap of cutdown day. Who could come off the waiver wires?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(1:25) - Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift get engaged(9:40) - Dillon Gabriel named Browns QB2(15:50) - Spencer Rattler […]
Venus Williams to compete in women’s doubles at US Open
Venus Williams will compete in women's doubles at the US Open after receiving a wildcard entry with 2021 singles runner-up Leylah Fernandez.Williams and Canadian Fernandez will meet sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez in the first round. The 45-year-old Williams is appearing at her first Grand Slam tournament in two years after making a comeback following 16 months away from the tour. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Highlights of the US Open match between Venus Williams and Karolina Muchova She competed in star-studded mixed doubles event last week, then in singles on Monday night - both also through wildcard invitations from the US Tennis Association.Williams was the oldest player to compete in the women's singles here since Renee Richards in 1981 and the third oldest of the Open Era. She had a tough draw […]
Byanca Brasil, atacante do Cruzeiro, destaca: “Vamos dar a vida para buscar essa grande final”
Byanca Brasil fala sobre a importância da torcida do Cruzeiro para as Cabulosas (Reprodução/Cris Mattos/Staff Images Woman/CBF)O Cruzeiro faz uma grande campanha no Brasileirão Feminino, tendo já feito história, mas podendo aumentar essa marca ainda mais. Com excelentes atuações na 1ª fase, o clube mineiro chegou ao mata-mata empolgado. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEEntão, conseguiu avançar para a semifinal após um empate fora de casa contra o Red Bull Bragantino e uma vitória por 2×0 atuando em casa. Porém, na partida de ida da semifinal contra o Palmeiras, fez uma excelente atuação e conseguiu uma vitória por 3×1, que lhe dá a vantagem para o duelo de volta, jogando em casa, ao lado da sua torcida.Byanca Brasil fala sobre o apoio da torcida do CruzeiroEm entrevista ao O Tikitaka Sports, a atacante do Cruzeiro, Byanca Brasil, falou sobre o duelo contra o Palmeiras, […]
Quesada antecipa classificação do Corinthians contra o Athletico-PR na Copa do Brasil: “Arremata no jogo da volta”
Jogadores do Corinthians comemoram gol na Copa do Brasil (Rodrigo Coca / Agência Corinthians)Leandro Quesada demonstrou otimismo com o futuro do Corinthians na Copa do Brasil. Após o Timão desbancar o Palmeiras, a equipe de Dorival Júnior tem pela frente o Athletico-PR, algoz do São Paulo. Embora o duelo seja imprevisível, o comunicador confia que arrancar um empate fora de casa nesta quarta (27) tem grandes chances de encaminhar a classificação na Neo Química Arena. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEApós o triunfo com autoridade contra o Vasco, Quesada prevê Charles e Breno Bidon mantidos entre os titulares do Corinthians. Diante da expectativa de poucas chances, o jornalista também acredita que Rodrigo Garro será escalado.“O Corinthians se classifica. Acho que um empate é um baita resultado, e arremata a classificação no jogo da volta.”, disse Quesada, no programa “Os Donos da Bola”. “É bom […]
Be the first to leave a comment