As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its one-third milestone, Oscar Piastri holds a narrow three-point lead over Lando Norris. However, Max Verstappen remains just within reach of the McLaren duo, sitting 25 points behind Piastri as they head into the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has a history of favoring teams that perform well here, which often translates to a competitive edge across various tracks on the calendar. Amid a recent technical crackdown on flexible wing designs, the spotlight will be on McLaren to see if their pace advantage can withstand the scrutiny.
In a commanding position in the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren boasts a remarkable 152-point lead over Mercedes and an impressive 156-point lead ahead of Red Bull. However, this balanced dynamic between Norris and Piastri has caused them to lessen their individual scoring potential in the Drivers’ Championship, unlike Verstappen, who has maximized his opportunities largely without rival pressure.
Current standings in the F1 Drivers’ Championship as the Spanish Grand Prix approaches
While McLaren currently appears to have a slight edge over its competitors, the landscape can shift rapidly due to ongoing car upgrades by rival teams. This weekend, teams will be contending with new load tests for front wings, which Red Bull’s Christian Horner suggests could significantly impact performance.
If these changes do hinder McLaren’s competitive streak and if Verstappen begins to regularly challenge for victories based solely on speed, then the team may find themselves at a crossroads. Will Zak Brown and Andrea Stella reconsider the non-restrictive driver strategy in favor of one number one driver?
Debates over Team Strategy
On Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, David Croft highlighted that appointing a lead driver could push either Norris or Piastri to seek opportunities elsewhere. “The significant gap in points assures us that a number one and two driver isn’t necessary,” Croft stated. He emphasized that McLaren aims to “serve the best interests of the team while respecting the drivers’ interests.” Fans, he argues, should want to see thrilling race action without team orders influencing outcomes.
He further noted, “They are strategically acquiring the points needed for the Constructors’ Championship while allowing their drivers to compete freely. This ensures a riveting season.” The team appears focused on clinching the Constructors’ title without sacrificing either driver’s potential championship bid, as both can still vie for the Drivers’ Championship.
Considering Future Contingencies
Currently, Verstappen has secured wins in two out of the first eight races—most notably at Suzuka and Imola, where Red Bull displayed superior performance. However, Sky Sports F1’s Simon Lazenby suggests that if McLaren maintains a gap while Verstappen stays close in points, they might need to support the leading driver in the latter half of the season. The discussion centers on whether McLaren would choose to strategically leverage a “buffer” using the second driver if the championship becomes tightly contested.
Bernie Collins from Sky Sports echoed this sentiment, stating, “Should the drivers face conflicts that jeopardize the Constructors’ Championship, that would prompt management to intervene. For now, with both drivers contributing positively to the team’s standings, they can continue racing freely.”
Upcoming Schedule for the Spanish Grand Prix
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Thursday, May 29
2 PM: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday, May 30
8:50 AM: F3 Practice
10 AM: F2 Practice
12 PM: Spanish GP Practice One (session starts at 12:30 PM)
1:55 PM: F3 Qualifying
2:50 PM: F2 Qualifying
3:35 PM: Spanish GP Practice Two (session starts at 4 PM)
5:15 PM: The F1 Show
Saturday, May 31
9 AM: F3 Sprint
11:15 AM: Spanish GP Practice Three (session starts at 11:30 AM)
1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
2:10 PM: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up*
3 PM: SPANISH GP QUALIFYING*
Sunday, June 1
7:25 AM: F3 Feature Race
8:55 AM: F2 Feature Race
12:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up*
2 PM: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX*
4 PM: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Don’t miss the gripping conclusion of F1’s European triple-header 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.