F1 Saudi Grand Prix 2025 results: Final classification with penalties AP… read more
The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered another thrilling race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Oscar Piastri emerged victorious in dramatic fashion. The McLaren driver secured his first win of the season and now leads the Drivers’ Championship standings, following a commanding performance at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Piastri started behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen but quickly seized the opportunity after a controversial incident on the opening lap. Verstappen had a slow launch from the line and went off-track into turn one while attempting to defend his position from Piastri. Although he rejoined ahead of the Australian, race stewards ruled that Verstappen gained an unfair advantage by doing so, handing the Red Bull driver a five-second time penalty.
Despite his frustration with the decision, Verstappen maintained a solid race pace and was able to hold off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to secure second place. Leclerc delivered a strong and consistent performance, crossing the finish line in third and claiming a well-earned podium for the Scuderia.
Lando Norris bounced back after a challenging qualifying session to finish in fourth place. His strong recovery drive, however, was not enough to retain his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, as teammate Piastri now takes over at the top of the standings. The McLaren duo continues to look like genuine title contenders as the season unfolds.
Mercedes also had a positive outing, with George Russell finishing fifth and rookie Kimi Antonelli impressing in sixth. Antonelli’s mature and composed drive added valuable points for the Silver Arrows. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, came home in seventh after a measured race that showcased his experience and strategic racecraft.
Williams had a standout race weekend, as both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon finished in the points. Sainz took eighth place, while Albon closely followed in ninth. The result marks a promising sign of resurgence for the historic team.
Rounding out the top 10 was Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar, who continued to show promise in his debut season. He finished just ahead of veteran Fernando Alonso, who brought his Aston Martin home in 11th place.
One of the most notable post-race penalties involved Liam Lawson, who initially finished 10th but was demoted to 12th following a 10-second penalty for exceeding track limits during a battle with Alpine’s Jack Doohan. The stewards ruled that Lawson had gained a lasting advantage by going off-track and subsequently adjusted the final standings. This handed the final point to Hadjar, who moved up one spot as a result.
Further down the grid, Oliver Bearman finished 13th in his Haas, ahead of teammate Esteban Ocon. The Sauber duo of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, along with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Alpine’s Jack Doohan, all completed the race one lap down. Two drivers failed to finish: Yuki Tsunoda, driving for Red Bull, and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, both suffering DNFs.
Lando Norris recorded the fastest lap of the race, clocking a 1:31.778 on lap 41. However, due to a regulation change implemented for the 2025 season, the achievement no longer earns an extra point. The FIA removed the bonus point for the fastest lap this year, aiming to discourage drivers from pitting for fresh tyres late in the race solely to chase the point—an increasingly common tactic in recent seasons.
This rule was introduced to prevent situations like the one involving Daniel Ricciardo during his final race in 2024, when he set the fastest lap while finishing last in Singapore, ultimately affecting the title race by denying Lando Norris the bonus point and benefiting Verstappen instead.
With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix wrapped up and the final results confirmed by the FIA, all eyes now turn to the next round of the championship. The battle at the top is heating up, with Piastri’s breakthrough win placing him in pole position for the title fight, while Verstappen and Norris remain close contenders. Leclerc, Russell, and others will also be looking to challenge as the season progresses, making for an exciting and unpredictable championship.
Final Classification – 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Post-Penalties):
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +2.843s
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +8.104s
Lando Norris (McLaren) +9.196s
George Russell (Mercedes) +27.236s
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +34.688s
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +39.073s
Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1:04.630
Alex Albon (Williams) +1:06.515
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +1:07.091
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +1:15.917
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1:18.451 (10s penalty)
Oliver Bearman (Haas) +1:19.194
Esteban Ocon (Haas) +1:39.723
Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) +1 lap
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +1 lap
Jack Doohan (Alpine) +1 lap
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +1 lap
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) DNF
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) DNF
