It’s a dream day for McLaren in China, as Oscar Piastri takes a commanding win in Shanghai, leading a 1-2 finish ahead of Lando Norris. It’s the Australian’s third career win and a second consecutive triumph for the team after Norris' success in Melbourne.
But the spotlight also shines on a major setback for Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton—who had crossed the line 5th and 6th—were disqualified after the race. Leclerc’s car was found to be under the minimum weight limit by 1kg, while Hamilton’s Mercedes had excessive plank wear, both in violation of FIA rules.
Piastri controlled the race from pole, never under threat, while Norris made an early move on George Russell and held position despite struggling with brake issues late on. A single pit stop proved sufficient for both, in a race expected to demand more due to tire degradation.
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Russell claimed third for Mercedes, showing signs of progress. Kimi Antonelli, despite floor damage, finished eighth in a gutsy performance.
Ferrari’s day unravelled early: Leclerc and Hamilton made contact at the start, damaging the Monegasque’s front wing and compromising his pace. Both struggled through the race, with Hamilton opting for a rare second stop among the frontrunners.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen recovered from a messy start to claim fourth, overtaking Leclerc in the closing laps. Despite a rough weekend for Red Bull, the four-time world champion showcased once again why he's a class apart.
McLaren is on a roll, Mercedes is closing in, and Ferrari—at least for now—lags behind in a fight that si complica sempre di più.
