The first sprint weekend of the 2025 Formula 1 season in Shanghai revealed significant insights about the drivers’ capabilities and the performance potential of their cars. While many rookies handled the unique challenges well, some veterans faced difficulties that impacted their standings.

So, how did these drivers fare against each other, and who stood out in this thrilling weekend?

Understanding the Rankings

These rankings consider performance over the entire weekend, from qualifying to the main race. Performance criteria include speed, racecraft, consistency, and ability to avoid critical mistakes. Each driver’s achievement in tapping into the full potential of their car is vital, especially considering the distinct performance requirements of the ten different teams.

Drivers can rise or fall in the rankings significantly from race to race, influenced by various factors and circumstances outside their direct control.

Top Performers

1. **Oscar Piastri (Started: 1st, Finished: 1st)** Piastri snagged pole position and maintained control of the race throughout, showcasing excellent racecraft. His small errors in the sprint race, including a battle for pole, barely tarnished an otherwise immaculate performance. Verdict: Dominated the main event, minor blemish in the sprint.

2. **George Russell (Started: 2nd, Finished: 3rd)** Russell approached the weekend with a focused mindset and maximized his opportunities. Despite losing a position at Turn 1 due to being boxed in, he capitalized on his strong qualifying effort to finish third. Verdict: Efficient and consistent; he capitalized well on his car’s potential.

3. **Alexander Albon (Started: 10th, Finished: 7th)** Albon delivered a strong performance after initially struggling with qualifying. He effectively managed his tires and adapted his strategy, which helped in climbing positions during the main race. Verdict: Surged through the pack, demonstrating skilled race management.

4. **Lando Norris (Started: 3rd, Finished: 2nd)** Despite a brake issue that hindered him from challenging Piastri, Norris maintained competitive pace. His ability to adapt to the car's challenges at the end of the race showcased his talents. Verdict: Solid performance, marred by mechanical issues.

Challenges Faced by Veterans

1. **Lewis Hamilton (Started: 5th, Finished: DSQ)** Hamilton showed promise in the sprint but could not replicate this in the main race. Issues with race pace led to his disqualification, leaving fans questioning the stability of his machinery. Verdict: While he excelled in qualifying, his race was mired in controversy.

2. **Charles Leclerc (Started: 6th, Finished: DSQ)** Leclerc started strong but fell victim to misfortune and errors. An incident in the opening lap with a teammate resulted in damage that affected his pace, ultimately leading to disqualification for being underweight. Verdict: An unfortunate series of mishaps and a lost opportunity for points.

3. **Esteban Ocon (Started: 11th, Finished: 5th)** Ocon struggled throughout the weekend. Despite some flashes of improved performance, he was unable to break into the top ranks consistently. Verdict: Showed potential, but failed to deliver in key moments.

4. **Carlos Sainz (Started: 20th, Finished: 14th)** Sainz faced a challenging time with his car's handling. Although he managed some points, he couldn’t display the pace needed to compete with other midfield teams. Verdict: Continues to wrestle with car issues, adding to his mounting frustrations.

Looking Ahead