Shanghai, March 22, 2025 – McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claimed his maiden Formula 1 pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix. This marks McLaren’s second consecutive pole in the 2025 season. The Australian outpaced teammate Lando Norris, while Mercedes driver George Russell secured second place on the grid.
Piastri’s Breakthrough Performance
Reflecting on his achievement, Piastri expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s been quite a journey to get here.” The young driver, who debuted in Formula 1 in 2023, admitted that qualifying was far from smooth: “It might have looked easy, but it certainly didn’t feel that way. The car and I only truly came alive in the final session.”
Verstappen and Hamilton Face Challenges
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen finished fourth in his Red Bull, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton continued his fluctuating form. Just hours after winning the Shanghai sprint race, Hamilton secured fifth place on the grid, bouncing back from a disappointing debut with Ferrari in Australia. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, qualified sixth.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, anticipates a highly competitive race, stating, “There are four or five drivers capable of winning on Sunday.” However, pressure is mounting on Red Bull’s second driver, Liam Lawson, who qualified last. Marko hinted at potential changes mid-season, remarking, “We will evaluate everything carefully. Formula 1 is a performance-driven sport.”
Norris Maintains Championship Lead
McLaren’s Norris, who triumphed in the season opener in Melbourne, remains atop the championship standings. However, after finishing eighth in the China sprint, his lead over Verstappen has narrowed to just two points ahead of Sunday’s race.
Germany’s sole representative on the grid, Nico Hülkenberg, qualified 12th for Sauber. He had impressed in the season opener, securing a surprising seventh-place finish.
The Chinese Grand Prix is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. (Sky/RTL), with an intense battle for victory expected at the Shanghai International Circuit
