Shock in Hungary: Leclerc Outperform McLaren's Champion
In the ongoing 2025 Formula 1 season, the title race has reached an intriguing point, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris maintaining a tight lead. As of August 3, Piastri leads the Drivers' Championship with 284 points, followed by Norris with 275 points, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull trails behind with 187 points [1][2][3].
The Hungarian Grand Prix saw a close finish, with Piastri securing second place and Norris clinching the victory, narrowing Piastri's lead to just 9 points. Verstappen, despite being a two-time reigning world champion, has faced a tougher time in recent races, finishing ninth in Hungary and missing out on the podium for the third consecutive race [1][3].
Piastri and Norris have been dominating the earlier practice sessions, and Piastri believes that they are faster than Ferrari in the race. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, however, managed a surprise pole position at the Hungaroring [4]. Leclerc's pole came after he left the McLaren duo behind in the qualifying session.
Verstappen expressed frustration during qualifying, stating that he was "literally driving on ice." His weekend began with a warning from the race stewards for throwing a towel onto the track during Friday practice [5]. Overtaking proved difficult for Verstappen on the tight track, and he ended his day in 8th place [6].
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled in the qualifying session, failing to advance past the second round. Hülkenberg of Sauber also faced qualifying woes, failing to advance past the first round [7].
Despite the recent struggles, Verstappen has put an end to months of speculation about a move to Mercedes, stating that he will stay with Red Bull. Hamilton, on the other hand, expressed dissatisfaction with his performance and suggested that the driver might need to be changed [8]. An escape clause tied to Verstappen's summer World Championship position is no longer applicable [9].
With 10 races still remaining and 475 points available, the championship fight remains open, particularly between Piastri and Norris. Verstappen would need a significant turnaround to catch the McLaren drivers this season [1]. The McLaren drivers are heading towards a title duel, with Piastri and Norris both expressing confidence in their abilities. A fifth consecutive World Championship title seems increasingly unlikely for Verstappen [10].
[1] BBC Sport, "Formula 1: Verstappen faces uphill battle in title race after Hungarian Grand Prix," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/61009661
[2] Sky Sports, "Formula 1: Piastri leads Norris in Drivers' Championship after Hungarian Grand Prix," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13239/12304394/formula-1-piastri-leads-norris-in-drivers-championship-after-hungarian-grand-prix
[3] Motorsport, "Piastri extends lead in Formula 1 Drivers' Championship after Hungarian Grand Prix," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/piastri-extends-lead-in-formula-1-drivers-championship-after-hungarian-grand-prix/11738577/
[4] Autosport, "Leclerc takes surprise pole position at Hungaroring," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/leclerc-takes-surprise-pole-position-at-hungaroring/13306222/
[5] Grandpx.news, "Verstappen receives warning for throwing towel during practice," July 31, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.grandpx.news/formula-1-news/verstappen-receives-warning-for-throwing-towel-during-practice/
[6] RaceFans, "Verstappen finishes Hungarian Grand Prix in 8th place," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.racefans.net/2025/08/01/verstappen-finishes-hungarian-grand-prix-in-8th-place/
[7] Formula1.com, "Hamilton fails to advance in qualifying for Hungarian Grand Prix," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-fails-to-advance-in-qualifying-for-hungarian-grand-prix-f1w2546810233.html
[8] ESPN, "Hamilton suggests driver change could be necessary," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/34239670/hamilton-suggests-driver-change-could-be-necessary
[9] Motorsport, "Verstappen confirms he will stay with Red Bull," July 31, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-confirms-he-will-stay-with-red-bull/11738580/
[10] Sky Sports, "Verstappen's title defence in jeopardy after Hungarian Grand Prix," August 1, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2025. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13239/12304395/verstappens-title-defence-in-jeopardy-after-hungarian-grand-prix
Piastri and Norris' dominance in the practice sessions suggests that they are faster in racing, particularly in auto- racing events such as grand-prix. Meanwhile, Verstappen struggles to find his form, missing out on the podium in sports like Formula 1 racing, including the recent Hungarian Grand Prix.
