What We Learned From the First Half of the 2025 F1 Season

The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered plenty of drama and change by its halfway point. One of the most talked-about stories was Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, ending his long relationship with Mercedes. He joined Charles Leclerc, creating a pairing that brought energy and experience to Ferrari’s campaign.



Team shake-ups reshaped the grid



With Hamilton gone , Mercedes promoted 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to race alongside George Russell. It was a bold step, but one that fit Mercedes’ long-term vision. Antonelli showed promise early on, while Russell carried the weight of leading the team.



Carlos Sainz , who had to leave Ferrari, signed with Williams Racing. Partnered with Alex Albon, he added leadership and points-scoring ability to a team that had been rebuilding under team boss James Vowles. Sainz’s influence was visible right away, as Williams became more competitive in the midfield. Looking for behind the scenes insights into the success of Williams? Many book Claire Williams to speak at events, offering insights into leadership, resilience, her history, and the pressures of Formula 1.



Red Bull Racing stayed with Max Verstappen, but dropped Sergio Perez. His replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, stepped up from AlphaTauri and brought speed and aggression to the team. While Red Bull didn’t dominate the way they had in past seasons, they remained in the top group of teams.



McLaren leads the standings



By August, McLaren topped both the driver and constructor standings . Piastri held first place with 284 points, closely followed by Norris at 275. Verstappen sat in third, more than 90 points behind, while Leclerc and Hamilton completed the top five.



McLaren’s success was built on smart upgrades, a balanced car setup, and near-perfect pit stop execution. They managed tire wear better than most teams and often outperformed rivals in both qualifying and race conditions.



It wasn’t a sudden rise. McLaren had spent the previous two seasons improving steadily. In 2025, they finally turned potential into consistent podiums and wins.



Teams focused on car development



While the driver market had plenty of movement, many teams also improved their cars across the early rounds. Mercedes worked on better tire management and race strategy. Ferrari developed new parts to improve high-speed grip.



Williams, with Sainz’s input, continued its rise by upgrading its aero package and refining setups for various tracks. Red Bull made small adjustments rather than large changes, aiming to stay reliable and fast.



Aston Martin stayed with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. They didn’t reach the front of the grid but kept picking up points with steady finishes. Kick Sauber, preparing for their Audi rebrand in 2026, ran with Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. At Haas, Esteban Ocon partnered with Oliver Bearman, who was still adjusting to his first full season in F1.



Singapore awaited as a key test



As the second half of the season approached, teams prepared for the Singapore Grand Prix , scheduled for early October. Known for its humid conditions and tough street layout, the Marina Bay race had always tested drivers’ endurance and car reliability.



In 2025, the track remained one of the most demanding. With 23 corners and little room for error, it offered a chance for teams like Ferrari or Mercedes to gain ground if they got their strategy right.



McLaren entered the race as favourites, but Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes all had strong track records in Singapore. Williams also looked surprised, while rookies like Antonelli and Bortoleto faced one of the hardest challenges of the year.



The second half brought rising pressure



The second part of the season added pressure to every team. With McLaren leading, both Piastri and Norris had to manage not just speed, but expectations. Verstappen, known for late-season pushes, still had time to catch up.



By August, the 2025 season had proven unpredictable, exciting, and tighter than expected. The final rounds promised more drama, closer racing, and key moments that would shape the championship.
The post What We Learned From the First Half of the 2025 F1 Season appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk .