F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2025 results: Final classification with penalties applied… read for details
The 2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit witnessed a chaotic conclusion with multiple post-race penalties and disqualifications that significantly impacted the final standings. Initially, the race concluded with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri securing his third career victory, with his teammate Lando Norris finishing second, just 9.748 seconds behind. McLaren’s one-two finish marked their 50th such result in the team’s history, adding another chapter to their growing success.
However, the drama did not end with the chequered flag. After the race, the FIA summoned several drivers to the stewards for post-race investigations. Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly found themselves under scrutiny for their cars being deemed underweight, an issue that could potentially lead to serious penalties. Not long after, Lewis Hamilton was called in as well, with concerns raised over an alleged breach of skid block regulations on his Ferrari. In contrast, McLaren emerged unscathed, with neither of their drivers facing any penalties, allowing them to maintain their dominant positions in the final classification.
The situation worsened for Ferrari and Alpine, however, as both teams saw their drivers disqualified following their respective investigations. Leclerc and Hamilton, two of the most recognized drivers in the sport, were both excluded from the race results, alongside Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, further shaking up the final standings.
On the track, there were additional retirements to note. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, was forced to retire due to brake issues. He had been running in the race but was unable to finish after his team decided to call him in for precautionary reasons. Despite the disappointing outcome for Alonso, there was some good news for McLaren, as the team celebrated not only their 50th one-two finish but also a well-deserved victory for Piastri.
The final classification of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix after penalties and disqualifications is as follows:
- Oscar Piastri [McLaren]
- Lando Norris [McLaren] – +9.748sec
- George Russell [Mercedes] – +11.097sec
- Max Verstappen [Red Bull] – +16.656sec
- Esteban Ocon [Haas] – +49.969sec
- Kimi Antonelli [Mercedes] – +53.748sec
- Alex Albon [Williams] – +56.321sec
- Oliver Bearman [Haas] – +1:01.303sec
- Lance Stroll [Aston Martin] – +1:10.20
- Carlos Sainz [Williams] – +1:16.387sec
- Isack Hadjar [Racing Bulls] – +1:18.875sec
- Liam Lawson [Red Bull] – +1:21.147sec
- Jack Doohan [Alpine] – +1:28.401sec (with a 10-second penalty)
- Gabriel Bortoleto [Kick Sauber] – +1 lap
- Nico Hulkenberg [Kick Sauber] – +1 lap
- Yuki Tsunoda [Racing Bulls] – +1 lap
Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin] – DNF
Lewis Hamilton [Ferrari] – DQ
Charles Leclerc [Ferrari] – DQ
Pierre Gasly [Alpine] – DQ
The disqualifications of Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly reshuffled the order significantly. The changes also had wider implications for the constructor’s championship as Ferrari and Alpine both lost significant points due to the exclusion of their top drivers.
One notable aspect of the race was a significant rule change implemented for the 2025 season: the abolition of the fastest lap point. Previously, drivers who set the fastest lap in a race and finished in the top 10 were awarded an additional point, a rule in place since 2019. The rule often led to strategic decisions where drivers would pit in the final laps to secure the fastest lap or prevent others from doing so. A notable example of this strategy occurred during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, when Daniel Ricciardo finished last but still claimed the fastest lap, taking the additional point away from Lando Norris and benefiting Max Verstappen’s title fight.
Despite the final result being overshadowed by penalties and disqualifications, McLaren’s performance stood out as a shining moment in the 2025 season, further confirming their status as a top contender in the championship battle. The chaotic nature of the race also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and drama that often accompany Formula 1 racing.
