Norris Holds Tiny Lead After Chinese Grand Prix Sprint

SHANGHAI, China — Lando Norris narrowly kept his lead in the 2025 Formula One Drivers’ Championship following a tense sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix on March 22. Norris scored just one point for finishing eighth, giving him a two-point edge over Max Verstappen, who finished third.

With the results of the sprint race, McLaren remains at the top of the Constructors’ Championship, leading Mercedes by a single point. Ferrari‘s strong showing in the sprint slightly closed the gap with Red Bull for the third position in the standings.

Norris commented on his performance, stating, “I didn’t really have any pace; I struggled a lot with the front graining, it was like my worst nightmare, so I have a lot of work to do.” His teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished second in the sprint, showcasing McLaren’s strength despite Norris’s challenges.

Following the sprint race, here are the current standings: Norris leads with 26 points, followed closely by Verstappen at 24 points and George Russell at 20 points. The Constructors’ battle is also tightly contested, with McLaren at 35 points and Mercedes just behind at 34 points.

Mercedes had a solid performance, allowing both Russell and Kimi Antonelli to finish in the top four, setting up an exciting challenge during the ongoing season. Ferrari, powered by their recent improvements, is now in a stronger position to compete with Red Bull for the championship.

The Shanghai International Circuit, known for its unique layout and challenges, will host another thrilling weekend as teams prepare for the next round of the championship. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Norris and his McLaren team to see if they can maintain their momentum.